Some people report that when they smile too much of their gum tissue shows above their  front teeth.  This is generically referred to as having a "gummy" smile.  It may be caused by certain medications that cause the gum tissue (gingiva) to overgrow covering a portion of the teeth.  It could also be caused by a situation called Delayed or Altered Passive Eruption.

TOOTH MIGRATION

When the adult teeth complete formation in the jaws (maxilla and mandible) they begin migration into the mouth.  The baby (deciduous) tooth loosens....is shed.....and you begin to see the biting (occlusal) edge of the permanent tooth.  It takes some time for the entire permanent tooth to show in the mouth.  In some situations, the permanent tooth never fully erupts into the mouth which leaves the crown of the  tooth (the part of the tooth that should fully show in the mouth)  partially covered by gum tissue.

NOT A DISEASE PROCESS

This condition is known as Delayed or Altered Passive Eruption.  It is not a disease process but is an anatomical variation that occurs in 12% of the adult population.  Treatment of this condition is for cosmetic purposes only.

The best dental professional to correct this situation is a periodontist...a dentist who only works to correct situations with the gum and bone tissue that support the teeth.  "Perio" means around and "dontal" means tooth....so the periodontist treats the tissues surrounding the teeth.  After measurements to include xrays it is determined how much of the gingiva needs to be trimmed away to uncover the full anatomical crown of the tooth.  This is an in-office procedure with mild post-operative soreness.

Best of all.......the results are astounding!  It can literally bring a smile back on the face of someone who has taught themself not to smile because they are unhappy with their "gummy" smile.