As a parent, you want your child to feel confident when they smile. But if your child has a “gummy smile”, where an excessive amount of gum tissue shows when they smile, you may notice them becoming self-conscious. They might smile less in pictures, cover their mouth while laughing, or even feel embarrassed around their peers. Naturally, you may wonder: will this go away as they grow older?
In some cases, children do outgrow a gummy smile as their facial bones and permanent teeth continue to develop. However, if the condition persists into adolescence, it may indicate an underlying structural or functional issue that requires professional attention.
At MR Dental Aesthetics in Beverly Hills, Dr. Mahnaz Rashti offers expert guidance and advanced diagnostics to help you understand your child’s needs and plan the right course of action. In this article, we’ll explore why gummy smiles occur, whether children typically grow out of them, and what treatment options are available if they don’t.
What causes a gummy smile in children?
A gummy smile, or excessive gingival display, can result from several factors, some purely cosmetic, others structural or medical in nature. In children, the most common causes include:
- Jaw development: Excessive downward growth of the upper jaw causes more gum to show.
- Tooth eruption: Slow or incomplete eruption of permanent teeth, making them look short.
- Hyperactive upper lip: Overactive upper lip muscles that lift too high when smiling.
- Genetics: Inherited traits leading to small teeth or disproportionately large gums.
Can Children Outgrow a Gummy Smile?
Yes, but only sometimes.
As your child transitions from baby teeth to permanent teeth and their facial structure matures, the proportions of their smile may change. In many cases, what seems like a gummy smile in early childhood can become more balanced as the adult teeth erupt and the jaw develops. This natural adjustment may reduce gum visibility and resolve the issue without any intervention.
However, not all children outgrow a gummy smile. If the condition persists into adolescence, or if it’s caused by skeletal or muscular factors, it may require a more proactive approach to prevent long-term aesthetic or functional issues. Consulting with a dental specialist by the time your child enters their teen years is a wise step to ensure healthy development.
Why early evaluation matters
A gummy smile may seem like a cosmetic concern, but in some cases, it’s a sign of a deeper problem, such as jaw misalignment, improper tooth eruption, or even airway issues linked to mouth breathing. These can also influence speech, sleep, and oral health.
Dr. Rashti emphasizes the importance of early evaluations. Using advanced technology such as 3D CBCT imaging and detailed facial analysis, she can determine whether your child’s gummy smile is simply a stage of development or part of a complex issue.
By intervening early, especially during periods of active growth, Dr. Rashti can help guide your child’s oral development in a way that supports both form and function, potentially avoiding more invasive procedures in the future.
When to seek treatment for a gummy smile
If your child is approaching their teenage years and still shows a significant amount of gum when smiling, or if they are visibly bothered by it, it’s time to consult a specialist. You should also seek evaluation if you notice:
- Difficulty closing their lips comfortably at rest
- Signs of chronic mouth breathing
- Uneven or excessive gum coverage over their teeth
- Speech issues or frequent dry mouth
Dr. Rashti will perform a full diagnostic workup to assess jaw development, lip function, tooth eruption, and gum health. From there, she’ll discuss treatment options tailored to your child’s age, growth stage, and long-term needs.
Treatment options if your child doesn’t outgrow it
If it turns out that your child’s gummy smile will not self-correct, there are several highly effective, minimally invasive treatments available:
Gingivectomy
A gingivectomy removes excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth surface, creating a more balanced tooth-to-gum ratio. This minor surgical procedure is often done with a laser or scalpel and provides immediate aesthetic improvement. It’s ideal for cases where gums cover too much of the teeth due to genetics or improper tooth eruption.
Lip repositioning surgery
Lip repositioning surgery, performed by Dr. Rashti, involves adjusting the muscles and tissue of the upper lip to limit how high it rises when you smile. By lowering the lip’s position, less gum is exposed, creating a more proportionate smile. It’s a relatively simple outpatient procedure and can be a long-term solution for a hyperactive upper lip.
Gum contouring
Gum contouring reshapes the gum line using advanced laser technology or manual tools to remove small amounts of excess tissue. This minimally invasive procedure enhances smile symmetry and reduces gum visibility. It’s ideal for patients with uneven gum lines or minor overgrowth and offers fast recovery with little discomfort or bleeding.
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are custom-made, tooth-colored shells bonded to the front of teeth to enhance their size, shape, and appearance. For patients with short or small teeth, veneers can create the illusion of longer teeth and a more proportionate smile, minimizing gum exposure. They also correct discoloration, chips, and other cosmetic flaws.
Dr. Mahnaz Rashti in Beverly Hills understands the delicate balance between early intervention and natural growth. With decades of experience and a health-first approach to smile design, she helps parents make informed decisions that support their child’s oral development.
If you’re unsure whether your child’s gummy smile is something they’ll outgrow or something that requires attention, Dr. Rashti can help you understand your options. Schedule a consultation and give your child a smile they’ll be proud to share.
