Spacing of tooth- Gap in between Tooth

Spacing of tooth is a dental anomaly characterized by increased interdental spaces and lack of contact points between teeth. It’s an excess of available space, resulting in gaps between the teeth. This generally occurs when the teeth are smaller than the available space or missing/impacted teeth, or protrude teeth, or abnormal gum tissue attachments can also cause spacing.

Spacing of tooth

Causes of Spacing

It’s can be for multiple factor- Developmental, Genetic  cause & Physiological cause.

Developmental & Genetic cause:

Spacing in primary or Milk tooth: It’s commonly seen in primary tooth. No need to worry for this, maximum time it closes when permanent teeth start to appear. 

Ugly Duckling Stage: This is also most common developmental spacing in front tooth which seen at the age of 7-11 years. When permanent Canine tooth starts erupting that causes spacing in front tooth, after complete eruption of Canine the space is closed.

Genetic: By family

Midline Diastema: It  also can be caused by an over sized labial frenum. The labial frenum is the piece of tissue that normally extends from the inside of your upper lip to the gum just above your two upper front teeth. In some situations, the labial frenum continues to grow and passes between the two front teeth, causes spacing in between central incisor tooth. 

Microdontia & big jaw size: This is not commonly seen. Microdontia means smaller size tooth. This generally occurs when the teeth are smaller than the available space causes spacing.

Missing, Impacted, Supernumerary, Retained milk tooth can also cause spacing.

Physiological cause:

Oral Bad habits: Thumb sucking, Mouth breathing, Tongue thrusting , nail or pencil biting can cause spacing of tooth. later in my other blog i will discuss about details in Oral bad habits.

Periodontitis: If spacing starts in adulthood then common cause is periodontitis. It causes because of poor oral hygiene, diabetic etc. resulting gum problem, bone loss, loss of tooth. 

Cyst & Tumor: Cyst is commonly asymptomatic swelling, it can cause tooth spacing. 

Extracted or missing tooth

Prevention

No need to worry about developmental spacing. Commonly you can’t prevent this but you can try prevent the  Physiological cause.

• Stop all bad habits of Thumb sucking, Mouth breathing, Tongue thrusting , nail or pencil biting etc.
• If you are having caries tooth,infection or retained milk tooth get the proper treatment.
• Rinse water  after every food with sometime use Chlorhexidine mouthwash,use floss. 
• Brush Twice-daily in proper technique with a soft/medium bristle or electric brush. 
• Maintain Oral hygiene, every 6th month get scaling treatment.
• Every six month visit Dentist for regular check-up.
• Avoid Tobacco.

”PREVENTION IS BETTER THEN CURE”

Treatment

  No treatment needed for spacing in milk tooth & Ugly Duckling Stage, just follow-up is needed.

Midline Diastema: Correction of Midline Diastema is available. Surgical removal of excess labial frenum- Frenectomy can also be done.

For Periodontitis: Early stage the treatment option is Scaling, root planning but late stage of stage flap surgery, bone grafting can be the treatment option.

Orthodontic Treatment: Removal & Fixed Orthodontic treatment is available to close the place. Tooth gape band & Braces is commonly used. 14-18 years age is ideal age for Orthodontic treatment, later also you can do.

Tooth Veering, Bonding, Crown & bridge: Composite restoration can also be done for closer of space. Metal Ceramic Or All crown & bridge can be other good option for closer of space. 

If cyst or tumor present get the necessary treatment immediately.

Conclusion: Commonly developmental spacing closes by own. If spacing starts in adulthood then common cause is periodontitis. Maintain proper oral hygiene. Tooth Spacing of treatment can be cured.