Teeth gaps can occur anywhere in the mouth, but it is rather common in the two front upper teeth. The condition is common in both children and adults. For children, once the temporary teeth come in, then the gap may disappear.
Some gaps are barely visible, while other gaps are larger and may create self-esteem issues for others. There are many reasons you could have a gap in your teeth. These include a mismatch in your jawbone, a loss of teeth, or even gum disease. However, did you know that there are actually dental problems that may arise from having a gap? They include;
Shifting Teeth
Usually, when you lose a tooth and the space occurs in between your teeth, your teeth may be at risk of shifting. Thus, because of the extra space, the surrounding teeth may want to move. This will change both your bite and your appearance. This shifting can also cause decay and gum diseases.
Tooth Decay
Gaps in your teeth put you at risk for tooth decay. Gaps create a large room for bacteria and build up to live if you do not clean these areas well. This leads to a plaque trap which can harden and become tartar. If left untreated, this hotbed for bacteria could not only cause tooth decay but also gum diseases.
Frequent Headaches
If you are experiencing frequent headaches, then it may be because of your dental issues. Teeth that are misaligned can pose a problem for your jaw joints. This could cause frequent headaches. Thus, consult with your dentist about a treatment plan.
Speech Issues
A gap in the mouth can also create speech impediment issues. A gap in the mouth may give you a lisp. This makes it hard to pronounce words with the letter 'S' and 'Z'. This happens because a diastema affects the placement of the tongue. Thus, making it difficult to pronounce words that have these two letters. Certain words may become difficult to pronounce because they may require tongue placement on the teeth.
Aside from the cosmetic concern of having gaps in your teeth, it can also cause trouble for your dental health. Thus, it is best to consult with your dentist about some treatment options. These may include braces, Invisalign, and even retainers.
Dentist Hillsboro, OR | Dental Blog - Century Dental Hillsboro, OR Jefferson Call, DMD and Dix Densley, DDS believe that the better informed their patients are, the better their decisions about dental care can be. With this blog, they hope to inform and empower our readers in their oral health. - See more Century Dental, 2831 SE Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97123 / (971) 708-1608 / centurydentalllc.com / 12/3/2024 / Page Phrases: Dentist Hillsboro OR