Gaps Between The Teeth
Gaps between teeth, also known as diastema, are visible spaces that occur between two or more teeth. These gaps are most commonly found in the upper front teeth but can appear anywhere in your mouth. Gaps between the teeth can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the most common causes is genetics. Another cause can be due to an abnormal frenum attachment. Certain habits like thumb sucking and pacifier use during childhood years can also lead to diastema formation because they put pressure on developing teeth and jawbone, which results in spacing issues. Individuals who suffer from periodontal disease are at risk for tooth loss and subsequently experience spacing problems as well. Moreover, tongue thrusting - pushing the tongue against the front teeth when swallowing -can create a gap over time as well. Lastly, a misaligned bite or crowded teeth may also result in spaces forming between the anterior tooth structures causing uneven positioning and leading to gaps appearing over time.