When you smile, do you notice a disproportionate amount of gums? If so, you may have an excessive gingival display (commonly known as a “gummy smile.”) Although opinions about gummy smiles change from person to person, it’s helpful to understand that this condition does not go away on its own. Sometimes, gummy smiles are harmless. While in other scenarios, a gummy smile can be a sign of underlying health issues.

Thankfully, an excessive gingival display is treatable, and you can have a more balanced-looking smile with intervention.  If you are bothered by your gummy smile, you may be (1) wondering how this condition develops in the first place and (2) searching for solutions to resolve it. In this blog, we discuss five reasons you may have a gummy smile and ways to resolve this flaw.

1. Poor Oral Hygiene 

Among the various reasons people suffer from gingival enlargement, the most common cause is poor oral hygiene. When unremoved through brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings, plaque (films of bacteria) can accumulate on the teeth and navigate its way under the gingival tissue. Eventually, healthy gums can become inflamed and enlarged.

2. Heredity

Genetics can play a role in contributing to a gummy smile, including a combination of factors, such as:

• Small teeth
• Short upper lip
• Disproportionate jaws

Additionally, some people inherit conditions that can lead to an excessive gingival display, such as:

• Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a rare genetic condition marked by the advanced growth of keratinized gingiva. (However, it can be adequate in severity and cause communication issues.)  
• Hyperactive upper lip occurs when the muscles in the upper lip and under the nose are overused repeatedly, which can cause the top lip to raise and expose too much gum tissue.

3. Misalignment

Whether due to genetic or developmental factors (such as unrestrained thumb sucking or mouth breathing), a bad bite can lead to a gummy smile. A bad bite occurs when your upper and lower jaws do not align correctly. If the upper jaw protrudes out farther than it should, it can result in a “gummy” appearance. 

4. Hormonal Changes

Over a lifetime, it’s normal for the body to go through different hormonal cycles. However, hormonal imbalances associated with the following can aggravate gingival growth:

• Pregnancy gingivitis and gingival enlargement are thought to be caused by a heightened response to oral bacteria. Therefore, pregnant women need to have good oral hygiene during pregnancy.
• Puberty gingivitis is usually the result of a combination of factors, including elevated sex hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone), poor oral hygiene, and diet. Studies have linked increased sex hormone levels with an increased prevalence of gingivitis.

5. Altered Passive Eruption

Tooth eruption is the process in tooth development in which the teeth become visible. However, teeth that do not erupt correctly can lead to a gummy smile (altered passive eruption). For example, if a tooth remains partly covered by the gums and doesn’t fully protrude from the mouth.

Correct Your Gummy Smile in Atlanta, GA

At Smiles for Grant Park, Dr. Abbey J. Lee can identify what is inducing your gummy smile to decide on ways to treat it, including:

• BOTOX® Cosmetic
• Orthodontics
• Gum Contouring

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Lee by calling 404-328-7177 or messaging us online.