Gaps in between the teeth are common, especially between the upper front teeth. Sometimes, you can see them between the lower middle teeth. But they usually occur between any two teeth. There are different reasons for these gaps. Here are some common causes:
Bad Habits
If you had certain habits as a kid, they might lead to gaps in your teeth. Like, if you sucked your thumb or used a pacifier after age 4. Another habit is tongue thrusting, where you push your tongue between your upper and lower teeth when you swallow. This can mess up your teeth alignment and create a gap in the front.
Gum Disease
Most grown-ups can have gaps in their teeth due to gum disease. The infection can make your jawbone wear away when it gets serious, messing up your bite. This makes your teeth move and even causes you to lose teeth.
An Overgrown Lip Frenulum
The lip frenulum is the thin tissue that links your upper gums and lips. Sometimes, it can get too big. As a result, it pushes your front teeth apart, making a gap between them.
Missing Teeth
When you do not have some of your teeth, the others might move around, causing gaps. This shifting can lead to diastema. Also, missing teeth can bring other dental problems.
Misalignment
Your teeth and the size of your jawbone can impact how your teeth line up. If your jaw and teeth sizes do not match, it can cause misalignment. This leads to crowded, crooked, or spaced-out teeth.
Too Small Teeth for the Jawbone
If your teeth are too small for your jawbone, spaces can show up between them. Orthodontic treatments are commonly used to fix these gaps.
If you see gaps between your teeth, do not hesitate to act. Make a dentist appointment to find out why. Our dentist can tell you why it is happening and suggest solutions to fix the issue.