Mother worried about her daughter’s gummy smile

Sheela asks: My daughter is 17 years old. Whenever she laughs, her gums become prominently visible. This does not look nice and spoils her otherwise good-looking appearance. Please suggest a remedy.

girl's gums are prominently visible when she smiles

Response:

The degree of exposure of the teeth and /or gums depends upon the shape of the cheekbones and jaws, the size of the lips and the manner in which one laughs as this takes the lips apart in varying degrees in different persons.

In most persons, the gums are hardly exposed, during routine laughing or smiling, but in those who have short lips or protruding teeth and high-placed cheekbones; the exposure of the upper gums becomes obvious when they have a hearty laugh.

Sometimes, the passage of time or ageing results in improvement. In some, the problem may be due to over-tight skin around the mouth which pulls the lips unduly apart.

Your daughter’s problem is really a cosmetic one. To improve her looks, you may consult a dentist specialized in cosmetic dentistry, who may suggest the right course of action for you. You can also go through this post Correcting a gummy smile, where I have discussed about various corrective treatments like laser, botox, surgery etc to rectify a smile which exposes the gums.

However, I’d like to mention that you should not worry too much about the looks of your daughter and make her feel self-conscious. After all, looking good is not everything in life and one’s self-worth should not depend on looks alone, though our society insists that looks are skin-deep. You should encourage your daughter to develop confidence in herself and have a pleasing personality. Encourage her to develop skills which she is good at. Let her laugh heartily, even exposing her gums if need be! Do read the post Girl worried about ugly smile.

There are so many famous personalities who don’t have a great smile but that never deterred them from laughing out loudly or smiling heartily. And people who adore them hardly bother about their smile. These people are confident of themselves and care two hoots for others’ opinions.

It’s far more important to make your daughter grow comfortable in her own skin and develop respect for herself rather than trying to correct her gummy smile.

Comments

5 Emotional Sad Short Stories To Make You Cry Immediately

Today I’m going to relate a few emotional, sad short stories that will make you cry immediately. Crying – is that even good for you? Isn’t crying associated with weakness? Well…

21 Bindi Quotes That Illuminate Tradition, Spirituality, and Modern Identity

The bindi , a small yet striking dot adorning the forehead , has long been a symbol of cultural pride, spiritual devotion, and aesthetic beauty in South Asian traditions. While its visual appeal is undeniable, the bindi carries profound meanings that transcend its physical form. In this piece, we delve into the world of bindi quotes —words that capture the essence of this timeless adornment. From ancient proverbs to contemporary reflections, these quotes celebrate the bindi’s role as a bridge between tradition and modernity. (Curious about the history and styles of the bindi? Explore my previous article: The Bindi Forehead Dot: A Small Dot with Big Significance .) The Bindi as a Symbol of Feminine Power The bindi’s legacy extends beyond tradition —it is a bold declaration of feminine energy and resilience. Rooted in the concept of Shakti (divine feminine power), it symbolizes creativity, strength, and the unyielding spirit of women. Historically, the red bindi marked marital status,...

Water – some health benefits of drinking it

Staying properly hydrated is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to stay in good health. DAILY WATER CONSUMPTION For normal metabolism, a human body releases 500ml of water in the form of urine every day. Through breathing and sweating, the body releases another 500ml-800ml of water. Therefore maintaining a content of 1000ml of water in one’s body is of utmost importance at all times. IMPROVES BLOOD CIRCULATION Water helps the blood in transporting nutrients, antibodies and blood cells to infected areas when sick and it removes toxin and waste from the body. With this, it smoothens metabolism and at the same time increases the immunity of the body.

Kapalabhati Pranayam for wrinkle-free, radiant complexion

Did you know that Kapalabhati Pranayam / kriya can also be used to enhance your beauty and ward off skin aging? Done the right way, Kapalabhati Pranayam can be used as a beauty aid - it can give you a wrinkle-free, luminous forehead and radiant complexion. Kapalabhati For Beauty ‘Kapalabhati’ Pranayam breathing exercise is an excellent way of maintaining good health and fighting diseases. ‘Kapala’ means ‘skull’ (and ‘forehead’ also) and ‘bhati’ means ‘shining’. By doing kapalabhati, the ‘nadis’(nerves) of the brain get good exercise. This is achieved by exercising the diaphragm. There will be a glow on the forehead. After the age of 25, the tell-tale signs of ageing start making their appearance in the form of fine lines on the forehead. A regular practice of Kapalabhati for 10-15 minutes everyday will give you a tight forehead sans wrinkles for many years to come. Avoid Botox, try Kapalabhati Why resort to Botox and other expensive chemical or surgica...

Holi Diet and Hydration: Staying Healthy During the Festivities

Holi, the festival of colors, is one of the most vibrant and joyous celebrations in India. It marks the arrival of spring, the triumph of good over evil, and a time for communities to come together in a riot of colors, music, and dance. However, amidst the fun and frolic, it’s easy to overlook the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated. With rich foods, sugary treats, and long hours of outdoor activities, it’s crucial to strike a balance between indulgence and well-being. In this post, we’ll explore how you can enjoy Holi to the fullest while keeping your health in check through mindful eating, proper hydration, and safe practices. Why Diet and Hydration Matter During Holi Holi is synonymous with indulgence. From gujiyas and thandai to fried snacks and sweets, the festival is a culinary delight. However, overindulging in these treats can lead to digestive issues, energy crashes, and dehydration, especially when combined with hours of playing outdoors under the ...