Noticing gaps appear or widen between your teeth as you get older is a common experience. This phenomenon, known as tooth separation or diastema, is influenced by various factors within your oral environment. Understanding these elements can help explain why your smile might be changing over time.
Natural Changes in Your Mouth Over Time
As you age, your jawbone can experience gradual remodeling, where bone density decreases. This can subtly alter the shape and size of your jaw, leading to changes in tooth alignment.
Teeth also experience natural wear and tear throughout life from chewing, a process called attrition. This wear can change the contact points between teeth, creating small spaces. Additionally, a slight forward movement of teeth, known as mesial drift, occurs over time, contributing to shifts in tooth position.
The Role of Gum Disease
A major factor in tooth separation is periodontal disease, often referred to as gum disease. This condition begins with inflammation (gingivitis) and, if untreated, progresses to periodontitis, breaking down the supporting structures around your teeth. The infection leads to the loss of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone that hold teeth firmly in place.
As this support diminishes, teeth can become loose and begin to shift, creating noticeable gaps. Indicators of gum disease include bleeding gums, redness, swelling, and persistent bad breath. Addressing gum disease is important, as it is a primary cause of tooth loss in adults.
Impact of Habits and Forces
Oral habits and continuous mechanical forces can also contribute to teeth separating. Bruxism, the involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, particularly during sleep, exerts significant forces on your dental structures. This prolonged pressure can lead to tooth wear and small movements, slowly pushing teeth apart.
Another habit, tongue thrusting, involves the tongue pushing against the front teeth during swallowing or at rest, rather than resting on the roof of the mouth. This consistent outward pressure can gradually push the front teeth forward, leading to gaps.
How Missing Teeth and Past Dental Work Contribute
The absence of teeth can impact the alignment of your remaining dentition. When a tooth is lost, the adjacent teeth no longer have the support of their neighbor. This often causes them to drift or tilt into the empty space, creating gaps.
Teeth opposing the missing tooth may also super-erupt, meaning they move out of their socket in search of a biting partner. For individuals who have undergone orthodontic treatment, orthodontic relapse can occur. This is when teeth gradually shift back toward their original positions, often due to inconsistent retainer wear, leading to spacing.
When to Seek Professional Advice
If you are noticing your teeth separating, seeking professional dental advice is an important step. A dentist can accurately diagnose the underlying cause, as appropriate treatment depends on the specific factors contributing to the changes in your smile. They will assess your gum health, evaluate your bite, and identify any habits that might be playing a role.
Depending on the diagnosis, several treatment options are available to address tooth separation and improve your oral health:
If gum disease is the cause, periodontal treatment will be necessary to stabilize your gums and bone.
Orthodontic solutions, such as clear aligners or traditional braces, can effectively close gaps and realign teeth.
For minor spacing or to improve tooth shape, restorative options like dental bonding, veneers, or crowns might be considered.
Replacing missing teeth with implants or bridges can prevent further shifting and maintain the integrity of your bite.
For those with bruxism, a custom-fitted nightguard can protect teeth from grinding forces.