How to Smile

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Smiling may come naturally to some people; however, for the rest of us, it can be a little challenging. Finding the right smile for pictures , selfies, and everyday life is tough, especially if you haven’t figured out which smile looks best for you. Thankfully, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to get the perfect smile for every occasion.

Things You Should Know

  • Create a more natural smile by saying "money," relaxing your brows and jaw, or recalling something hilarious as you grin.
  • Train yourself to smile more by practicing your grin in the mirror each morning.
  • Keep your smile beautiful with regular dental cleanings and good oral hygiene.
Question 1 of 7:

How do you smile naturally?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Smile-Step-1-Version-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Smile-Step-1-Version-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Smile-Step-1-Version-9.jpg\/aid7111-v4-728px-Smile-Step-1-Version-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It’s way better than saying “cheese!” When you say “money,” your natural smile opens up wide and the rest of your face relaxes. It’s actually an old trick that Hollywood stars use for photographs. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6e\/Smile-Step-1-Version-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Smile-Step-1-Version-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6e\/Smile-Step-1-Version-7.jpg\/aid7111-v4-728px-Smile-Step-1-Version-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re feeling tense, your smile is going to look a little forced, and you could create extra wrinkles around your eyes and brows. Take a deep breath and relax the muscles in your face before you start smiling. It might help to close your eyes quickly and then open them back up. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Smile-Step-3-Version-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Smile-Step-3-Version-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Smile-Step-3-Version-7.jpg\/aid7111-v4-728px-Smile-Step-3-Version-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If a natural smile just isn’t coming, try to make yourself chuckle. You could remember a funny story, tell yourself a joke, or think about cute puppies frolicking in the sunshine to make you smile. [3]
    4. Advertisement
Question 2 of 7:

How do you smile without teeth?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Smile-Step-4-Version-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Smile-Step-4-Version-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Smile-Step-4-Version-8.jpg\/aid7111-v4-728px-Smile-Step-4-Version-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Then, lift the corners of your mouth into a small smile. Keeping your tongue on the roof of your mouth tightens your cheek and jaw muscles, which makes your face look slimmer and more natural. [4]
    • You can also part your lips ever so slightly to give more of a puckered look.


Question 3 of 7:

How do you practice smiling?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Smile-Step-5-Version-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Smile-Step-5-Version-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Smile-Step-5-Version-7.jpg\/aid7111-v4-728px-Smile-Step-5-Version-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It sounds silly, but it’s the only way to know how you’re really smiling. If you want to change or perfect your smile, head to your bathroom or bedroom mirror and flash yourself a grin. Do this a few times per day and make adjustments until you’re satisfied with your smile.
    2. Advertisement
Question 4 of 7:

How do you smile for a selfie?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Smile-Step-6-Version-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Smile-Step-6-Version-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Smile-Step-6-Version-7.jpg\/aid7111-v4-728px-Smile-Step-6-Version-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is sometimes called the “social media face.” You don’t have to go full duck lips if you don’t want to—instead, smile naturally, then purse your lips before snapping a pic of yourself. [5]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Smile-Step-7-Version-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Smile-Step-7-Version-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Smile-Step-7-Version-7.jpg\/aid7111-v4-728px-Smile-Step-7-Version-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you take a selfie , you get to decide how high to hold the camera. As you snap a few pics, try moving your phone from left to right, then tilting your head ever so slightly. Once you find your “good side,” or the side you look best from, practice smiling while facing the camera at an angle. [6]
    3. Advertisement
Question 5 of 7:

How do you train yourself to smile more often?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Smile-Step-8-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Smile-Step-8-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Smile-Step-8-Version-6.jpg\/aid7111-v4-728px-Smile-Step-8-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Stand in front of the mirror and look at yourself while you smile. Remind yourself that you’re going to try to smile more often today, and keep practicing for about 5 minutes. It will start you out on the right foot so you’re ready to smile more!
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Smile-Step-9-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Smile-Step-9-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Smile-Step-9-Version-6.jpg\/aid7111-v4-728px-Smile-Step-9-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It could be your friends, your family members, your pets, or your favorite book. When you’re happy or content with the things in your life, you’re much more likely to smile more often throughout the day.
    3. Advertisement
Question 6 of 7:

How do you maintain a beautiful smile?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Smile-Step-10-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Smile-Step-10-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Smile-Step-10-Version-6.jpg\/aid7111-v4-728px-Smile-Step-10-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Brush your teeth and tongue regularly, carry floss wherever you go so that you can clean up after eating, and have breath freshener on you at all times. The more you take care of your smile, the more beautiful it will look! [7]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Smile-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Smile-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Smile-Step-11.jpg\/aid7111-v4-728px-Smile-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Cleanings and checkups are an important part of your smile health. If you have any concerns about crooked teeth, you can ask your dentist to refer you to an orthodontist.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Smile-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Smile-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Smile-Step-12.jpg\/aid7111-v4-728px-Smile-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This includes smoking and drinking things like red wine, coffee, and soda. If you notice your teeth are looking a little dingy or yellow, try to cut back on those things one by one. If you’re concerned, try a whitening treatment to freshen up the look and color of your teeth. [8]
    4. Advertisement
Question 7 of 7:

How do you fix a gummy smile?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Smile-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Smile-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Smile-Step-13.jpg\/aid7111-v4-728px-Smile-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your lip tends to scrunch upwards too high when you smile, you can get an injection to relax that upper muscle. Then, when you smile, your lip will sit lower in your mouth, covering up more of your gums. [9]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Smile-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Smile-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Smile-Step-14.jpg\/aid7111-v4-728px-Smile-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Both of these procedures can be done by dentists or oral surgeons. In a gum lift, they will remove a portion of the gum around your tooth and place the gum line higher. In a lip repositioning, the surgeon will make 2 incisions in the gums under your lip. They’ll add a small band of tissue to keep your lip in place so it sits lower on your gum line. [10]
    • Since these procedures are cosmetic, they usually aren’t covered by insurance. You can check with your provider to see how much either one will cost you.
    3. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How can I make my teeth more attractive?
    Tu Anh Vu, DMD
    Board Certified Dentist
    Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
    Tu Anh Vu, DMD
    Board Certified Dentist
    Expert Answer
    Cut out lifestyle habits that could stain your teeth, such as smoking or drinking coffee.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 23 Helpful 60
  • Question
    How can I whiten my teeth quickly?
    Tu Anh Vu, DMD
    Board Certified Dentist
    Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
    Tu Anh Vu, DMD
    Board Certified Dentist
    Expert Answer
    Look for whitening strips that you can wear after brushing your teeth to help brighten up your smile.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 21 Helpful 53
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Read Video Transcript

      Reader Videos

      Submit a Video Tip!

      Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!

      Submit a Video

      Tips

      • It could also be helpful to say any word with long E in it to get the basic shape of the smile.
        Thanks
        Helpful 16 Not Helpful 1
      • In a photo, it may help to laugh or giggle so your smile appears more natural.
        Thanks
        Helpful 32 Not Helpful 5
      • When you meet someone new, greet them with a smile. That will help get your relationship off on the right foot.
        Thanks
        Helpful 28 Not Helpful 8

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • After a meal, if you suspect that you have something in your teeth but can't make a quick exit to the bathroom, swish some water around in your mouth. Swish from the backs of your teeth forward and this should get rid of most of what's stuck so you can smile with confidence.
      • It's not enough to smile with your mouth only—show the feeling in your eyes as well! Try tilting your head slightly to one side and widening your eyes. Relax your face muscles so there's less tension and your happiness will shine through your whole face.
      • Think of a funny or happy memory and it will bring a natural smile to your face.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Be Photogenic
      How to
      Be Happy
      How to
      Be Confident
      How to
      Prepare For a School Picture
      How to
      Smile When You Think You Can't Smile
      12 Tips to Get a Picture Perfect Smile
      How to
      Smize
      How to
      Keep a Straight Face
      How to
      Smile With the Eyes
      How to
      Smile Naturally
      How to
      Avoid Smiling at Inappropriate Times
      How to
      Smirk
      How to
      Have a Pleasant Facial Expression
      How to
      Smile when You Think You Have Bad Teeth
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=32&v=qwhf0zQTwz4&feature=youtu.be
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=57&v=qwhf0zQTwz4&feature=youtu.be
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=66&v=qwhf0zQTwz4&feature=youtu.be
      4. ↑ https://www.whowhatwear.com/how-to-fake-perfect-smile
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=118&v=24Dbh6OAXnw&feature=youtu.be
      6. ↑ https://improvephotography.com/19446/how-to-pose-for-a-selfie/
      7. ↑ Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Board Certified Dentist. Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.
      8. ↑ Tu Anh Vu, DMD. Board Certified Dentist. Expert Interview. 10 April 2020.
      9. ↑ https://www.aestheticsmilereconstruction.com/2020/05/19/how-to-fix-a-gummy-smile-the-ultimate-guide-to-gummy-smile-reduction/
      1. ↑ https://www.aestheticsmilereconstruction.com/2020/05/19/how-to-fix-a-gummy-smile-the-ultimate-guide-to-gummy-smile-reduction/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want a bright, cheerful smile, practice smiling in front of a mirror. Pay attention to how your face feels when you’re smiling in a way that looks attractive, so you can recreate it later when you’re around other people. When you’re smiling, your lips, cheeks, and eyes should be engaged. Throughout your day, try to find excuses to smile at people, from strangers walking down the street to your coworker who looks like they’re having a bad day. Over time, you’ll notice yourself smiling without having to think about it! Read on to learn how your oral hygiene may affect your smile!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 3,939,618 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Bob

        Sep 26, 2018

        "I have often been told I have a fake smile. Now I don't. It seems more genuine with the addition of eyes. ..." more
        Rated this article:
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement