Gap teeth causes
Gap teeth form for many reasons. Whether you've had them since you can remember or you've just started to notice them, be sure to get your gap teeth checked by a qualified doctor.
Common causes of gap teeth
Inherited gap teeth
If gap teeth run in your family, you may be genetically predisposed to them, too.
Natural development
Up to 97% of children have spaces between their baby teeth and most close naturally once the permanent teeth grow.
Missing, extra or undersized teeth
Some children are born with missing/undersized baby or adult teeth, which leaves a gap. In rare cases, extra teeth in the bone can prevent the eruption of other teeth, causing gap teeth.
Oversized labial frenum
Put your tongue between your front teeth and lip, and then reach the upper part of your mouth. The tissue you feel in the middle is your upper labial frenum. When oversized, this tissue can cause a gap between the front teeth.
Jaw and teeth size mismatch
An imbalance between the size of the teeth and jaw bones (either too big or too small) can cause a gap in your teeth or teeth crowding.
Swallowing reflex problems
Some people develop a swallowing reflex known as tongue thrusting where the tongue pushes against the front teeth (instead of the roof of the mouth). This may cause the front teeth to move over time, resulting in gap teeth.
Thumb sucking
Prolonged habits such as thumb sucking can pull the front teeth forward, creating space between your teeth.