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The Truth About Your Gummy Smile

Why Gummy Smiles Happen and How to Fix Them

By Vincent MarianoPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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When you think about a pleasant-looking smile, you may automatically picture straight, white teeth. It’s where your main focus should be, right? However, teeth only account for roughly half of your smile’s appearance. The rest of your smile, consisting of gums and other soft tissues, may need help, not your pearly whites.

Do you consider your smile too “gummy”? A gummy smile can be difficult to define because it depends on each individual’s perception. But studies show that under 3 to 4 millimeters of exposed gum line is considered to be proportionate and appealing. If you have “excessive gingival display,” don’t despair—you’re not alone! This symptom can occur for many reasons. Fortunately, dentistry has treatments available to reduce your gummy smile and give you the look you really want.

First, What Causes Gummy Smiles?

A smile can appear excessively gummy for a variety of reasons, but the most common include variation in the growth of your teeth, differences in lip size and length, and even certain medications. More specifically, permanent tooth eruption, which some research suggests may be a genetic trait, can lead to a gummy smile. Also, if your upper lip is small or short, your gums may be more exposed than you’d like. Lastly, medications that prevent seizures, suppress your immune system, or treat high blood pressure can cause what is known as gingival hyperplasia. In other words, they can make the gums grow around teeth beyond that 3 to 4 millimeter mark.

The Effects of Having a Gummy Smile

At first glance, the “effects” of a gummy smile seem obvious—your appearance is directly impacted. However, there’s more to it than just looks! For starters, gummy smiles are more difficult to keep clean. In the extra tissue, bacteria and plaque can build up, making brushing and flossing tiresome and more like a chore than they already are. As a result, your risk of gum disease, decay, and other dental issues increases significantly.

Possibly more importantly, your confidence can be affected by a gummy smile. Those who dislike the way their grin looks tend to hide it in public settings or for photos. Not smiling, in turn, lowers your mood and can create self-esteem issues, whether you realize it or not. Research has shown repeatedly that smiling helps you feel good—tiny molecules called neuropeptides, which fight stress, are released in the brain. In addition, smiling increases dopamine and serotonin production, making you feel more content. If you don’t have a grin you love, it can be challenging to let it show and gain all these benefits.

Your Treatment Options

Thankfully, a gummy smile can be corrected. Dentists offer various treatments, and you can only find out which is the right solution for you by scheduling a consultation with someone like me who is an expert in cosmetic dental work. After looking at your unique mouth, your dentist can recommend a personalized treatment plan ending in the smile of your dreams. In some cases, surgical options may be the right course of action, which may involve shifting the jaw or teeth. However, there are also nonsurgical techniques like gum recontouring with a soft tissue laser. This procedure entails removing that excess tissue without having to use sutures or scalpels. This gentle method allows for quick recovery and for the right proportion of teeth to gums to show when you smile.

A gummy smile is changeable. It’s not something you have to learn to live with! You can do something about it. Because you now understand more about your gummy smile, you have no reason to wait to address it! Reach out to your dentist to achieve the beautiful, healthy, and proportionate smile you’ve always wanted.

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