Have you ever stopped yourself while looking in the mirror and wondered whether that gap or space between teeth is normal? Or, is it something you should get looked into? Well, the short answer is that “it depends.” A gap between your teeth can be caused by many factors and can range from a purely cosmetic issue to something more serious, such as gum disease or bone loss.
The good thing is that there is a lot you can do with the right information, and with a good Calgary family dentist, it can be solved. In today’s blog article, we will tell you everything you need to know about gaps between your teeth and gums, from the most common causes, the severity of the issue, and when to seek professional advice.
Why Do Gaps Form Between Teeth?
A gap between teeth, also known as a diastema, can occur between any two teeth in your mouth, but it’s most common between the two front teeth. Diastemas can affect people of all ages, but they are especially common in children as their mouths grow and make space for their adult teeth. In many cases, these gaps close on their own as children grow and their permanent teeth come in.
In adults, one of the most common causes for a diastema between the two front teeth is an oversized frenum (the band of tissue that connects your lip to your gums). However, diastemas can also be temporary and may be caused by orthodontic treatment, frequent teeth clenching, or an abnormal swallowing reflex.
Most family dentists consider diastemas to be mainly a cosmetic concern, especially if there are no other symptoms such as redness, swelling, or pain. However, if the spacing changes over time or you notice bleeding gums, it might indicate gum disease and require medical attention as soon as possible.
What It Means When Gums Pull Away From Teeth
It is a different story when there are gaps between the teeth and your gums. One of the most common gum-teeth spacing problems is black triangles between your teeth, called open gingival embrasures, found in about 67% of people over 20 years old. However, unlike diastemas, they are usually not merely cosmetic. If left untreated, they can expose the roots of your teeth and create areas where food and bacteria can easily get trapped, leading to further dental problems over time.
The causes of gingival embrasures can vary, but they all require attention. They might be caused by very harsh brushing and flossing at home, smoking, aging, and periodontal or gum disease.
The best step you can take is to visit a trusted family dentist, like our team at Parkway Smiles Dental, to identify the exact cause of the gap between your tooth and gum. From there, your dentist can recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your specific situation.
How Can You Get Rid of the Gaps?
Whether the gap is between your teeth or appears near the gum line, the right solution depends on the cause. In some cases, small changes to your oral care routine may help prevent the issue from getting worse. In others, a dentist may recommend options to improve the spacing, appearance, or overall health of your teeth and gums.
Possible approaches can include:
- improving daily brushing and flossing habits
- correcting spacing or alignment issues
- enhancing the shape or appearance of the teeth
- addressing underlying gum health concerns
Because gaps can develop for different reasons, the best next step is to have your dentist evaluate the area and recommend the most appropriate option for your smile.
- A space between teeth can be harmless and cosmetic, but a gap between a tooth and its gum may indicate recession, gum disease, or bone loss that requires dental care.
- Common fixes range from gentler home care guided by a hygienist or family dentist to orthodontics, dental fillings, veneers, or surgery, depending on the cause.
- In Calgary, any change in a gap, bleeding gums, pain, or new spacing around front teeth, or a gap between molar teeth should be assessed professionally rather than ignored.
Not Sure Whether a Gap Is Harmless or a Sign of a Deeper Issue?
Book a visit today with our Calgary team at Parkway Smiles Dental and let us help you find the right solution for your smile.