Hereditary diastema

In some cases, a gap between teeth develops due to genetic predisposition. This happens when your parents or other family members have a diastema in their teeth.

Missing teeth

A missing or removed tooth will create space in the mouth. This leaves room for teeth to shift, which can create a gap.

Thumb sucking

If you suckled your thumb as a child, you may be dealing with the damage your finger left by impacting the shape of your growing teeth. If the issue of your gap teeth weren't resolved in childhood, you might still suffer from a diastema as an adult.

Tongue pressure

Often, without realizing it, you apply force with your tongue to the back of your teeth. Some people do this, especially when they're stressed. The intense pressure can cause your teeth to shift and separate.

Short or abnormal frenum

This is the name for the small piece of tissue that connects your upper lip to your gums. Sometimes this tissue is just a little too short. As a result, it partially nestles between your two front teeth, ultimately resulting in a diastema.

Tooth size

Children often experience diastemas while they wait for permanent teeth to come down from the gum. If your teeth are naturally small in relation to your jawbone as you reach adulthood, you could end up with a diastema, too.

Gum problems

A gap between the teeth can sometimes develop due to gum disease if the gum tissue becomes infected and it erodes over time. As a result, it can impact your jawbone, causing teeth to become loose or shift, resulting in a diastema.