Gapped teeth are incredibly common in childhood, affecting many children at some point — but parents often wonder whether genetics is the culprit. At Kids Dental Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, our experienced pediatric dentistry specialist, Dr. Bosede Adeniji, often discusses gapped teeth (diastema) with parents and kids to help them find solutions.
Our June blog covers the diastema essentials: What it is, what causes it, and whether your child might need treatment.
Gaps often appear between the upper front teeth, although they can develop anywhere in the mouth.
In children, gaps are usually a normal part of growth and development. In fact, spacing between baby teeth is often beneficial because it creates room for larger permanent teeth later on.
Many children naturally outgrow tooth gaps as their adult teeth erupt and their jaws continue maturing.
Yes, genetics can absolutely influence whether a child develops gaps between their teeth. Children may inherit jaw size, tooth size, and bite patterns from their parents. So, if you had gaps between your teeth (or still do), your child may have a higher chance of doing so.
For example, a child who inherits a larger jaw and relatively small teeth may naturally develop more spacing. Genetics can also affect how teeth erupt and how the upper and lower jaws align as the child grows.
Research shows that genetics and environmental factors often play a role in tooth spacing and bite development.
Not all gaps are genetic. Several childhood habits and developmental factors can also contribute to the spacing between teeth.
Thumb sucking and prolonged pacifier use can place pressure on developing teeth and the jaw. Over time, these habits may contribute to bite changes and spacing issues. Tongue thrusting, where the tongue pushes against the front teeth during swallowing, may also affect alignment.
In some cases, a large labial frenulum — the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums — may create a noticeable gap between the front teeth.
Many childhood gaps are harmless and temporary. However, there are situations where an evaluation is a good idea.
Consider scheduling a dental visit if:
Early monitoring allows Dr. Adeniji and our team to track growth and identify potential problems before they become more challenging to treat.
Some studies in young adults show that treatment to close the tooth gap can improve quality of life by around 50%. Depending on the cause of your child’s diastema and how likely the gap is to close on its own, they might be a good candidate for treatment.
For example, Dr. Adeniji may recommend orthodontic treatment, which involves guiding the teeth into better alignment using Invisalign®.
In some situations, Dr. Adeniji may recommend treatment of a large frenulum to help your child be more comfortable.
Gapped teeth are common in children, and genetics is only one piece of the puzzle. At Kids Dental Center, we’re here to help you see the whole picture and find the best path for your child. Phone us at 301-345-2881 today or click here to schedule an appointment online.
