Gummy smile: causes, solutions and treatments for less visible gum

You may have already noticed that when smiling, some people show more of their gums than their teeth. This is called a gummy smile, when more than 3 to 4 mm of gum tissue is visible.

In most cases, it's primarily a matter of aesthetics. But its origins can be varied: muscular, dental, related to the gums, or even to the bone structure . Solutions exist, from the simplest to the most complex. We explain everything in this article.

A gummy smile is when your smile reveals a larger portion of your upper gum . When you smile naturally, your upper lip lifts slightly too much, showing a wider band of gum than usual.

In a smile considered harmonious, the upper teeth are most visible, with just a thin line of gum . When the gums are too prominent, the overall appearance can be less regular. One thing is certain: a gummy smile is not a disease . It is simply an anatomical feature, like everyone has, and it varies from person to person.

Dentists generally consider a smile to be gummy when more than 3 to 4 millimeters of gum are visible above the teeth. However, these figures should be taken with a grain of salt. Some people are perfectly comfortable with a smile where their gums are slightly visible, while others may feel self-conscious about it.

Ultimately, what truly matters isn't so much the measurement in millimeters as your own feelings. If your smile makes you uncomfortable or prevents you from laughing out loud, talking to a professional can shed some light on the situation. They can explain the underlying causes and, if you wish, what solutions are available.

Often, a gummy smile results from overactivity of the muscles that raise the upper lip . In some people, this muscle contracts more than average, which lifts the lip and exposes more of the gum. It's purely mechanical: the teeth and bone are normal; it's just the smile that's "enthusiastic."

In this specific case, Botox injections may sometimes be offered to limit excessive lip elevation.

Sometimes, it's the teeth themselves that give this impression. For example, if:

• The teeth are naturally short .

• They have worn down over time and appear smaller.

• They have n't completely come out of the gum.

In these cases, the teeth appear shorter, and the gums take up more space in the smile . A doctor or dentist can assess whether everything is harmonious or not.

Sometimes the gum itself is "too prominent" . This can be due to:

• Gums that have increased in size ( hypertrophy ),

• Chronic inflammation ( gingivitis ),

• A side effect of certain medications.

When gums are swollen or irritated , they cover more of the teeth and accentuate the gum recession. Good oral hygiene and regular checkups with your dentist can help improve the situation.

Finally, in rarer cases, the origin may be skeletal : the upper jaw is slightly too long downwards, which naturally exposes more gum tissue when smiling . This cause is usually identified during adolescence or adulthood and may require appropriate treatment.

Most of the time, a gummy smile is primarily a matter of appearance . It doesn't hurt, doesn't interfere with speaking or eating, and doesn't directly threaten dental health.

But be careful, it all depends on the cause. If this gummy smile is accompanied by:

• Red or swollen gums,

• Bleeding when you brush your teeth,

• Persistent bad breath ,

• Unusual tooth sensitivity

Then it can reveal gum inflammation or a periodontal problem. In this case, it's no longer just a matter of aesthetics.

It's best to make an appointment with your doctor if:

• Your gummy smile really bothers you .

• You have regular bleeding ,

• Do your gums feel thickened or painful ?

• Your teeth appear abnormally short .

• You notice that the exposure of your gums is gradually increasing.

An examination in the office will allow for a precise assessment: is it of muscular, dental, gingival origin or related to the bone? Even without pain, a professional opinion can be reassuring.

When the cause is not a significant bone problem, minimally invasive alternatives are often preferred. Among the most common are:

• Botulinum toxin injections to relax the muscles of the upper lip if they are too active, with a quick but temporary result (approximately 4 to 6 months).

• Orthodontic treatment to reposition teeth and rebalance smile proportions, aiming for a lasting result

• The placement of veneers or crowns to visually lengthen teeth that appear too short.

• Periodontal treatment is necessary if gum inflammation is the cause.

In some mild cases, laser gingival remodeling may also be considered to precisely redraw the contour of the gums.

If the cause is structural, surgery may be recommended. The main options are:

• Gingivectomy , which removes excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth, can be performed with a traditional scalpel or a laser, depending on the indications.

• Coronal elongation , which reshapes the contour of the gum and sometimes the underlying bone.

• Orthognathic surgery is reserved for cases where there is excess bone in the upper jaw.

Gingivectomy and crown lengthening are performed under local anesthesia, sometimes with laser, and recovery is generally straightforward. Orthognathic surgery is more extensive and requires specialized care.

It all starts with a thorough consultation with your doctor. During this assessment, they will carefully observe:

• Your teeth and gums,

• The way your upper lip lifts when you smile,

• The balance between your teeth, gums and lips,

• Sometimes he supplements this with x-rays or photos of your mouth.

The goal is to understand precisely the origin of the phenomenon. For example, Botox injections will be useless if the cause lies in the bone. Conversely, considering major surgery for simple excessive muscle mobility would be disproportionate.

Several criteria are taken into account:

• The identified cause of your gummy smile,

• The extent of visible gum tissue,

• Your age and general health,

• The desired durability of the result,

• And above all, the degree of discomfort it causes you.

The issue of reversibility also plays a significant role. Some people prefer to try a gentle and adaptable approach before committing to a more permanent solution.

Results vary depending on the cause and the chosen method. When properly tailored, the effects are generally very positive. You will be able to observe:

• Less visible gums when you smile,

• A better balance between your teeth, gums and lips,

• A more harmonious smile, and therefore renewed confidence.

Note that:

• Injections like Botox offer a quick, but temporary solution.
• Gingivectomy and crown lengthening provide lasting results with simple recovery.
• Orthognathic surgery , reserved for cases related to bone structure, allows for a definitive correction, but requires a longer process.

It depends on its origin. If it's due to your anatomy or growth, it's difficult to avoid. However, good oral hygiene can limit gum-related causes.

• Gentle and effective brushing twice a day,

• The daily use of interdentalbrushes or dental floss ,

• Regular visits to your dentist or doctor,

• Descaling if needed.

Good hygiene habits will not change a structural cause, but they help to maintain healthy gums and a balanced smile over time.

A gummy smile is primarily an aesthetic issue, rarely a health concern. It can have several causes: muscular, dental, gum-related, or bone-related.

Identifying these issues correctly allows you to choose the right treatment. Solutions exist, ranging from simple procedures to more complex interventions. The key? A personalized assessment for a natural result that respects your oral health.