Mouth, Lips, Smile and Teeth

The mouth is read for speech, appetite, relationships and the later years of life. Lips, the corners of the mouth, the smile and even the teeth all carry meaning in traditional face reading.

Size of the mouth

Large mouth

Bold in thought, action and decisions, wise, calm and well connected with many friends; good at finding solutions, though generous spending can make money tight.

Wide "merchant's" mouth

A great talker who can exaggerate, but quick, decisive and resourceful; loves to travel and enjoys life's pleasures.

Small mouth

Cautious and modest, slow to take risks or speak up, but very hard-working and dedicated to their job.

Classic mouth types

The "negotiator's" mouth

Knowledgeable and articulate, often a spokesperson or go-between for others; quick, talkative and fond of new words, sure of their own views. Should avoid getting too involved in others' affairs.

The "food critic's" mouth (thin and slender)

A true gourmet, calm, reasonable and self-controlled, living simply and peacefully, if not especially romantic.

The "alluring" mouth (small and heart-shaped)

Great charm and a gentle nature, admired by many; romance plays a big part in life. The tradition advises finding work they truly enjoy.

The "noble" mouth (full and well shaped)

A person with a bright future who makes the most of the present; generous, kind, disciplined and charming, with honour and status, especially when they live by good values.

The "fortunate" mouth (shapely, like that of a Buddha image)

Intelligent, capable and self-assured; what they say tends to come true. Dislikes idle talk and gossip, speaks with reason and is deeply respected.

Downturned corners ("stubborn" mouth)

Proud, fair and independent, never gives up and will not be looked down on; should listen more to others and give family life more attention.

Upturned corners

Well informed on many subjects, curious, open, cheerful and loved by a wide circle of friends.

Pointed, pursed mouth

The tradition reads this as a pessimistic, impulsive streak; patience and consideration for family bring better relationships.

Protruding mouth

The old texts warn that careless words can make enemies; kind speech is the remedy.

Lips

Full lips

A food lover and natural cook, honest and loyal, passionate and protective in love, and very direct in speech.

Thick upper lip

Expressive and always busy; tends to talk a lot when tired or stressed.

Thick lower lip

Fond of possessions and always wanting more; a survivor who should guard their secrets.

Upper lip longer than the lower

A thinker and doer, patient, hard-working and responsible, with strong values; suited to advisory, legal or trusted assistant roles.

Lower lip more prominent than the upper

Puts others first and helps before helping themselves, though kindness is not always returned; competitive and prone to complain.

Thin lips

A fluent talker on any subject, clever and strategic; warmth towards others is the lesson.

Upturned lips

Fortune rises and falls, but good conduct smooths the way; proud and self-made, with changeable moods. The tradition advises moderation with alcohol.

Lips with four distinct curves

Mindful and self-aware, with excellent concentration and self-control, which leads to success; dedicated and hard-working.

The smile

A shy, innocent smile

Comes straight from the heart with nothing hidden, and is very charming. People with this smile are a joy to be around; it is common in children and rare in adults.

An open smile

Shows the teeth and lights up the eyes and the whole face. A sign of an open, generous, cheerful and sincere person with good relationships. Some people smile openly without showing their teeth; then look at the eyes.

A forced smile

The mouth smiles but the eyes do not. Face readers see this as a smile without real feeling, and it looks unnatural in photos and presentations.

Teeth

Small teeth

A fighter who never gives up; a loyal team member or a solid leader, and an outstanding worker who finishes what they start.

Large teeth

Talented, brave and well known, with many successes; the tradition warns that over-confidence can lead to a sudden fall.

Pointed teeth

Very intelligent, good with numbers and detail; suited to thinking, travel, communication or public relations work. Life has its ups and downs.

Gap between the teeth

Finds secrets hard to keep, especially if talkative; work may be done quickly rather than thoroughly.

Protruding teeth

Restless and inventive since birth, always trying something new and proud to show it; can boast, and may lose heart under pressure.

Uneven teeth

The old texts link uneven teeth with changeable plans and a need for steadier commitment in family and friendship.