What are the Causes of Diastema?
Diastema is the technical term for when an individual has a gap between the teeth. Fortunately, the condition is purely cosmetic and is not harmful. While the condition is common among both children and adults, it often does not last for children once their adult teeth come in. To technically be classified as diastema, the gap must be wider than 0.5 millimeters. While treatment is not required or necessary, many adults choose to have a dental procedure to treat the condition. If you or your child has diastema, you may be wondering what causes the condition. Here is more information about diastema and the potential causes.
Potential Causes of Diastema
- The size of the teeth: If a person’s teeth are too small in comparison to their jawbone, overtime it may cause gaps to develop between the teeth. The size of the jawbone and teeth are genetic, which partially explains why diastema can run in families.
- Missing teeth: Diastema can also develop as a result of missing teeth. This often can happen if one of the upper lateral incisors, which are the teeth on the sides of the two front teeth, are missing.
- Oversized labial frenum: The labial frenum is the tissue on the inside of the upper lip that connects to the gum. For some individuals this tissue is oversized, which can cause a gap between the front teeth.
- Gum disease: As gum disease advances it can result in the gums becoming loose and damage to the jawbone. Receding gums and weakened bones can lead to tooth loss and eventually, spacing between teeth.
- Incorrect swallowing reflex: You may not realize it, but the proper way to swallow involves your tongue pressing against the roof of your mouth. If instead a person pushes their tongue against their front teeth this repetitive pressure will cause the teeth to push forward. Eventually this pressure may cause a gap to form.
- Habits: There is a reason why thumb sucking is discouraged. Bad habits, including thumb sucking, lip sucking, and tongue thrusting can all put pressure on the front teeth, pushing them forward. Shifting in the front teeth may lead to diastema.
- Temporary diastema: Approximately two-thirds of children may have temporary diastema when their primary teeth, or baby teeth, fall out. Then, when their permanent teeth come in, the gap closes. This gap is common enough that dentists don’t worry about it and consider it normal and not needing treatment.
Treatment Options for Diastema
Once you and your dentist determine the cause of the diastema, it will be easier for them to come up with an appropriate and effective treatment plan. There are many possible treatment options for diastema, however it is important the treatment plan meets the cause. If you have tooth loss due to gum disease, your gum disease will need to be treated before your diastema is treated. If you have a small gap between your teeth and it is likely caused by genetics, you may just need a non-invasive cosmetic treatment option. Either way, the best place to start when determining a treatment option is to have a conversation with your dentist.
More on Diastema : Diastema & Children