MIND THE GAP

Young children can become upset and self-conscious about a gap between their upper front teeth. However, there usually is no reason for concern because during tooth eruption, it is normal for a diastema, or gap, to appear.

Nearly every 5-year old has a diastema. Half of all 8-year olds will have a diastema. At this age the permanent “eye-teeth” start pushing against the roots of the permanent central incisors and move them apart. The eye teeth complete their eruption when your child is about 12-years old, letting the teeth naturally snuggle up next to each other.

However, sometimes teeth do not develop normally. An abnormal diastema can cause speech problems and poor chewing function as well as affect your child’s self-esteem and social behavior.

There can be several reasons why the diastema appears, including:

1.    •an oversized frenum, the flap of tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums.

2.    •a habit such as pushing the tongue against the front teeth.

3.    •a hormone imbalance that makes the jaw grow larger, but the teeth are normal size.

If the diastema does not close on its own, we can consider several treatment options such as doing nothing, fitting braces, adding veneers (thin porcelain shells that cover the fronts of the teeth), bonding (placing tooth-colored material between the teeth) or creating crowns or a bridge.

It’s important that we regularly examine your child’s developing teeth to prevent dental problems later in life because everyone’s teeth are meant to last a lifetime.