Gaps between teeth are not entirely uncommon in people. The condition is known as diastema, and it actually goes deeper than just a physical manifestation of space between two teeth. In this blog, we will go over what causes gaps between teeth in the first place and the ideal ways to solve them.

Gaps between Teeth: How Do They Happen in the First Place?

There are several various causes that can trigger gaps between a person's teeth. Depending on why they happened, how the condition presents itself will also vary. Gaps can be a developmental issue that leads to incorrectly sized jawbones and teeth. When the teeth are far too small for the mouth and jawbone, they tend to have even gaps across teeth.

When the gaps are in the usual places or they're singular, the causes are generally quite particular to something. Upper front teeth gaps, for example, can be caused by the labial frenum being overgrown. The labial frenum is tissue that connects the upper lip's back all the way to the upper gum. For certain cases, tissues grow downward, which leads a gap to end up forcing itself amidst two front teeth in particular.

Some habits will lead to gaps between teeth, too. It generally happens while teeth are developing during childhood. Tongue thrusting and thumb-sucking are key examples where force gets pretty strong that lead to shifts and gaps being created if habits continue as time goes on.

Does Having Gaps between One’s Teeth Pose Any Risks? 

The ability to be confident and satisfied with a smile in a person gets affected by gaps appearing between teeth. That said, the cosmetic aspect of it is just one aspect. When left alone and not treated, teeth will actually end up shifting continuously. It will go on until more problems like misaligned bites happen. Force is quite strong in these cases, and whether it's closing your mouth or chewing, misaligned teeth can crack or chip.

There's also a bigger chance of oral infections occurring when there are gaps between teeth involved. When gaps are caught between a person's teeth, there's room for things to get caught in between, food particles included. In turn, bacteria will spread and grow accordingly. Gums and teeth can end up with bacterial activity on hyperdrive, leading to halitosis (bad breath), gum sensitivity, and cavities.

Sometimes, intense cases will lead to overall health risks stemming from gaps between a person's teeth. Bacteria will end up in a person's bloodstream through gums and teeth, putting the whole body at risk. People who have oral infections and bad oral health overall will have damaged organs and a higher likelihood of heart diseases.

How Can Gaps between Teeth Best Be Treated?

The best way to address gaps between teeth is to see a dentist. There are three key methods used by cosmetic dentists, namely:

• Braces

• Bonding

• Veneers

Conclusion

Gaps between teeth tend to make people less confident in their smile, but it's more than an aesthetic issue. There are a number of causes that can lead to it, like developmental causes from childhood. Treatment is best done by dental professionals through the likes of veneers, bonding, and braces.

Need a dentist in Murfreesboro, TN to address gaps in between your teeth? Cosmetic Dentistry of Murfreesboro is here for you! Well over 25 years since our founder, Dr. Greg Nicholson, put the clinic up, we’re still bent on helping out with brightening smiles.