Upper gums show when smiling

Upper-gum show when smiling can reflect lip movement, tooth position, gum height, or jaw shape, and treatment depends on the cause.

The visible area is the maxillary gingiva, the gum tissue above the upper front teeth. A high lip line, a short or hyperactive upper lip, excess gum covering the crowns, altered tooth eruption, short-looking crowns, or vertical facial growth can make more gum visible.

Take relaxed and full-smile photographs and note whether the teeth look short, uneven, or heavily covered by gum. Clinical assessment may include measurements of lip mobility, tooth proportions, gum position, bite, and facial relationships; treatment can range from gingivectomy or crown lengthening to orthodontics or selected lip procedures.

Arrange an examination if the appearance is new, one area is changing, or the gums bleed, swell, ulcerate, or feel painful. Prompt care is appropriate when swelling, fever, drainage, or difficulty swallowing accompanies the change.

Ask which structure creates the gum show, whether the tooth crowns are fully exposed, and how the bite affects the smile. Ask what measurements support each option, how much tooth or gum tissue would be altered, and whether a periodontist, orthodontist, or oral surgeon should be involved.