What Is Diastema?
Posted on 9/25/2023 by Evan |
 Diastema is a condition where one has spaces between the teeth. In most cases, it occurs in the front teeth but can also happen between other teeth. The most common cause of diastema is alignment issues. If your teeth are not properly aligned, you will likely experience gapped teeth. Bad oral habits during childhood can also contribute to spaces, especially between the upper front teeth.
For instance, when a child uses pacifiers or sucks their thumbs, they apply pressure on the front teeth, causing bite issues and diastema. In rare cases, this oral condition can happen due to periodontal disease. Gum disease can contribute to gum tissue and bone deterioration, making the teeth loose and fall out. A missing tooth leaves gaps and can affect your speech and eating.
Are There Dangers Of Living With Diastema?
Visible spaces between the teeth can lower your confidence. If left untreated, they can harm your oral health. For instance, gaps, whether big or minor, can make the neighboring teeth move out of alignment, causing bite issues. When teeth aren't aligned properly, you will likely experience tooth damage due to the force applied when chewing and biting.
In addition, you are at high risk of infections when you have diastema. Food particles can get stuck between the spaces, promoting bacteria growth. Bacteria accumulation is the leading factor of teeth sensitivity, gum disease, tooth decay, and mouth infections. In extreme cases, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and attack other body parts.
Can You Treat Gaps Between The Teeth?
As you are aware, living with diastema can harm your oral and overall health. Fortunately, some treatment options can help to fix the issue and prevent further damage. A dentist can recommend braces, veneers, or crowns to fix the gaps. In some cases, you may need a combination of several treatments to improve your oral health. For instance, diastema that results from gum disease may involve treatments such as scaling and root planing, bone graft, and teeth replacement procedures.
Are you planning to correct diastema? Schedule an appointment with one of our specialists to learn more options for closing gaps between the teeth. |
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