Gaps between teeth, diastema: what is this, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

1,014 4 minutes read

Gaps between teeth, diastema: what is this, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention - Dentistry

Widely spaced teeth; Teeth – widely spaced; Diastema; Wide spaced teeth; Extra space between teeth; Gapped teeth

Widely spaced teeth, also known as diastema, defined as having a gap of more than two millimeters between two adjacent teeth. It is estimated, what from 20 to 50% adults suffer from diastema. been noticed, that it affects both sexes and all races, but it is most commonly seen in older adults 40 years. Symptoms may include increased risk of food getting stuck and difficulty brushing affected teeth, leading to an increased risk of cavities and gums. Illness is not harmful to health, but may have social and aesthetic implications, which can lead to psychological and emotional problems.

Causes of diastema

Several factors can cause diastema, including:

Genetics. Some people have a naturally wider jaw, which can lead to gaps between teeth.
gum disease. Gum disease can lead to loose teeth, resulting in gaps between them..
thumb sucking. Prolonged thumb sucking can push front teeth forward, which will lead to cracks.
Tongue out. The constant pressure of the tongue on the teeth can also cause gaps..
missing teeth. If a person loses a tooth, surrounding teeth may move, gapping.
Abnormal attachment of the frenulum. The bridle is a fabric, which connects the upper lip to the gums. If she's too big, gap between front teeth.

Diastema Symptoms

The most obvious sign of a diastema is the gaps between the teeth.. In some cases, these gaps may only be visible when, when a person smiles or speaks. However, in severe cases, the gaps can be large., what causes food to get stuck between teeth, leading to oral health problems, such as cavities or gum disease.

When to contact a healthcare professional

Questions, that your doctor may ask

Your dentist may ask you a few questions during your appointment., eg:

When did you first notice the gaps between your teeth??
Have gaps between teeth widened over time??
Do you experience pain or discomfort in your mouth?
Do you have a history of gum disease or cavities?
Do you have other oral health problems?

Diagnostics of the diastema

To diagnose a diastema, the dentist will conduct a comprehensive examination of the oral cavity, which may include:

Visual inspection. The dentist will examine your teeth and gums, to determine the cause of gaps.
Roentgen. Dentist can take x-ray, to check for underlying oral health problems, such as bone loss, tooth decay or gum disease.

Diastema treatment

Diastema treatment depends on the cause of the tear and the severity of the condition.. Treatment options may include:

Orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment, such as braces or clear aligners, can help close gaps between teeth.
Bonding of teeth. Tooth bonding involves applying tooth-colored resin to the teeth to fill gaps.
Dental veneers. Veneers are thin, custom-made plates, which are attached to the front of the teeth to improve their appearance.
Frenectomy. If the bridle is too big, your dentist may recommend a frenectomy to remove excess tissue.
Dental implants. If a missing tooth causes gaps, your dentist may recommend a dental implant to replace the missing tooth and prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting.

home treatment for diastema

There are several things, which you can make at home, to improve the appearance of your teeth and prevent further gap formation, including:

Good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily can help prevent gum disease and cavities., which can lead to misaligned teeth and gaps.
Avoid thumb sucking. If you have a child, who sucks his thumb, try to stop this behavior, to prevent the front teeth from moving forward.
Language exercises. In some cases, tongue exercises can help strengthen your mouth muscles and prevent tongue sticking out., what can cause cracks.
Using interdental brushes. Interdental brushes can help remove food particles from between teeth and prevent cavities and gum disease.

Prevention of diastema

Although some cases of diastema cannot be prevented, there are several steps, you can take, to reduce the risk of gaps between teeth, including:

Good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily can help prevent gum disease and cavities., which can lead to misaligned teeth and gaps.
Regular dental checkups. Visiting the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings can help identify and address any oral health problems before, how they lead to gaps.
Stop sucking your thumb. If you or your child is thumb sucking, try to stop this behavior, to prevent the front teeth from moving forward.
Orthodontic treatment. If you have crowded teeth, orthodontic treatment can help straighten them and prevent gaps.

Conclusion

Widely spaced teeth, or diastema, is a dental disease, characterized by gaps between teeth. Although the diastema, usually, is a cosmetic problem, sometimes it can indicate an underlying oral health problem, requiring treatment.

If you are worried about gaps between your teeth, you should see a dentist. Your dentist can examine your teeth and determine, whether gaps are a cosmetic problem or indicate an underlying oral health problem, requiring treatment. Treatment options may include orthodontic treatment, bonding of teeth, dental veneers, frenectomy or dental implants.

Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can help prevent gaps from forming..

Used sources and literature

Dhar V. Development and developmental anomalies of the teeth. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Bloom NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 333.

Martin B, Baumhardt H, D'Alesio A, Woods K. Oral disorders. In: Kids BJ, McIntire SC, Norwalk AJ, eds. Zitelli and Davis’ Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 21.

Vladimir Andreevich Didenko

1,014 4 minutes read