How to Draw Teeth and Lips: Easy 10-Step Guide

Ready to bring your character portraits to life? This tutorial is perfect for artists ages 7+ looking to master facial features. All you need is a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to start practicing these essential proportions.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A vibrant, finished illustration of a smiling mouth with detailed teeth and glossy lips.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Cupid's Bow

Pencil sketch showing the initial curved line of the upper lip with a central dip.

Draw a gentle, curved line for the top of the upper lip with a slight dip in the center. Teacher's Tip: This dip is called the 'Cupid's bow'—try to keep it symmetrical for a balanced look.

Step 2: Defining the Mouth Shape

Drawing showing a U-shaped line connecting the ends of the upper lip to form the mouth outline.

Use a wide 'U' shaped line to connect the ends of your first line. Teacher's Tip: Keep this line light; it acts as the boundary for the entire mouth area.

Step 3: Outlining the Upper Lip

Adding a curved line to define the thickness of the upper lip.

Draw a curved line just below the top edge to define the bottom of the upper lip. Teacher's Tip: This creates the volume that makes the lip look 3D rather than flat.

Step 4: Completing the Lower Lip

Drawing showing the completed outline of the lower lip.

Connect the corners of the mouth with a wide, gentle curve to form the bottom lip. Teacher's Tip: Ensure the bottom lip looks slightly fuller than the top for a natural appearance.

Step 5: Starting the Teeth

Beginning the teeth structure with small, curved vertical lines.

Draw two slightly curved lines between the lips to begin the teeth. Teacher's Tip: Think of these as small, rounded rectangles tucked inside the mouth.

Step 6: Filling the Smile

Adding more teeth to the mouth, noting the size difference from front to back.

Continue adding teeth across the mouth, making them smaller toward the corners. Teacher's Tip: Varying the size creates a realistic perspective of the mouth curving back.

Step 7: Adding Lip Highlights

Adding small oval shapes on the upper lip to indicate light highlights.

Draw small ovals on the top lip to represent light reflection. Teacher's Tip: Leaving these white when you color will make the lips look glossy and realistic.

Step 8: Glossy Lower Lip

Adding highlights to the lower lip for a shiny, glossy effect.

Repeat the highlight process on the bottom lip with a larger oval. Teacher's Tip: Keep the shapes irregular to mimic natural light hitting a curved surface.

Step 9: Final Contours

Adding final detail lines around the mouth to show facial contours.

Add small lines at the corners of the mouth and above the Cupid's bow. Teacher's Tip: These subtle lines suggest the skin's natural folds and facial structure.

Step 10: Adding Color

Final colored drawing of a mouth with glossy lips and white teeth.

Bring your drawing to life with color! Use pinks or reds for the lips and keep the teeth a clean, off-white. Teacher's Tip: Use a darker shade at the corners of the mouth to add depth.