Gaps between a child’s primary teeth, often called baby teeth, are a common observation for many parents. These spaces, or a condition known as diastema, are generally a normal and healthy part of early dental development. Primary teeth, also known as deciduous teeth, typically begin to erupt around six months of age, and a full set of 20 teeth is usually present by age three. The presence of spacing at this stage is often considered a sign that the jaw is developing correctly to accommodate the much larger permanent teeth that will follow.
The Purpose of Baby Tooth Spacing
The gaps seen in a child’s baby teeth serve a distinct biological function. Primary teeth are considerably smaller than their permanent successors in overall size and crown dimensions. This size difference means that the jawbone needs extra room to accommodate the permanent teeth, which are wider, particularly the incisors and canines.
These natural spaces are often referred to as “primate spaces” and “developmental spaces.” Primate spaces are consistently found between the lateral incisors and canines in the upper arch and between the canines and first molars in the lower arch. The existence of this spacing is a favorable indicator, as it suggests there will be enough room to prevent crowding when the larger adult teeth begin to emerge. Children who lack this spacing are more likely to experience crowding in their permanent dentition.
The Closing Process
The answer to whether baby tooth gaps close is generally yes, and the closure is a natural result of the tooth replacement process. This change begins as the mixed dentition stage starts, usually around age six, when the permanent teeth begin to erupt. The permanent central incisors are significantly wider than the primary incisors they replace, meaning they naturally use up the available space.
As the permanent incisors push through the gums, their greater width helps to bring the adjacent teeth closer together, effectively closing the gaps. This transition is a gradual process that continues as more permanent teeth, such as the lateral incisors and canines, emerge. The eruption of the permanent upper canine teeth, which typically occurs between nine and 13 years old, is particularly important, as their position can often push the front teeth together and close any remaining space.
When to Consult a Dentist
While spacing is usually a developmental sign of a healthy jaw, parents should seek professional dental advice in specific situations. Early dental visits, ideally by a child’s first birthday, allow a pediatric dentist to monitor jaw and tooth development and identify potential issues early.
Midline Diastema and Frenulum
One common reason for a persistent gap between the two upper front teeth, known as a midline diastema, is a prominent maxillary labial frenulum. This is a fold of tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum. If the frenulum attaches too low, it can prevent the two front teeth from coming together. Treatment for this, often a minor procedure called a frenectomy, is usually delayed until the permanent canines have erupted to see if the gap closes naturally.
Persistent Gaps and Underlying Issues
Spacing that remains after the permanent teeth have fully erupted may indicate other underlying issues. These can include congenitally missing teeth, a condition called hypodontia, where a permanent tooth bud never formed. Hypodontia most commonly affects the upper lateral incisors or second premolars and can leave a noticeable gap where a tooth is supposed to be.
Excessively large gaps or spacing that does not appear to be closing as expected should also be evaluated. The dentist can use X-rays to check for missing teeth, extra teeth (supernumerary teeth) blocking the path of eruption, or unusually small teeth that do not fill the arch space. Persistent gaps may require orthodontic intervention, but early detection allows for timely planning and management of the developing dentition.