Diastema is a gap that appears between two teeth, and it can cause a lot of problems for children. The appearance of the diastema can make children uncomfortable, and this can affect their confidence, which can affect their overall development.
The problem of diastema in children is on the rise, with the number of children affected rising every day. Some research states this problem may be due to certain genetic conditions, but it mostly happens due to improper oral habits. In this blog, we will look what at causes of diastema and the treatment options available to you.
Causes of Diastema:
1. Bad Habits like Tongue Thrusting and Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking is a habit that occurs among children. Most of the time, it happens when a child is bored or angry. However, it can also be a sign of laziness. Children will suck their thumbs in order to relax and calm down. If your child has this habit, it’s best to talk to him about the problem and try to make him understand that he shouldn’t do it anymore.
Tongue thrusting is another bad habit that can lead to diastema. It happens when someone tries to force themselves to speak or chew something without using their tongue properly. This can cause an injury on the roof of the mouth, which may result in tooth decay and dental issues later on in life. It’s important not only for kids but also adults who have this habit to stop doing it as soon as possible because such habits will cause serious damage if not corrected right away.
2. Genetics
Genetics is also a cause of diastema. You might have one or both parents who have the trait, or you might be born with the condition.
A person’s genes are the instructions that tell their body how to make proteins and other molecules.
Genes influence many aspects of our health, including how tall we grow and how strong our muscles are. But they also determine many other traits, including our height, skin color, hair color, and eye color.
Having diastema can be inherited from one or both of your parents. If you have it because of genetics, there’s no known way to prevent it in future generations.
3. Oversize Labial Frenum
The labial frenum is the small piece of tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums. This tissue sits directly on top of the two front teeth, yet it can push down on them, creating a spacing between the teeth as they develop.
Treatment Options in Children for Diastema:
1. Braces
Braces are a popular treatment option for diastema, and they are effective at eliminating the gap between the front teeth. The braces are made up of metal bands that are attached to the front teeth to hold them in place. The metal bands can be adjusted to move the teeth closer together or farther apart.
Many people have concerns about wearing braces — especially those who have never worn any type of dental appliance before — but most kids do well with them over time if they’re comfortable wearing them at home and in public situations such as school functions and play dates with friends.
2. Cosmetic Dentistry Options: Dental Veneers or Dental Bonding
Dental veneers or dental bonding are two different methods of treatment that can be used to correct diastema. They both involve the placement of a thin layer of porcelain on the front teeth, which covers up the spaces between them. This creates a more uniform appearance and hides unsightly gaps between your teeth.
3. Frenectomy
Frenectomy is the removal of the frenum, which is a fold of mucous membrane that connects the upper lip to the gum. Your dentist may recommend you this treatment when an oversized labial frenum causes the diastema.
Final Thoughts
Diastema in children is a problem that, if not treated properly, can cause self-esteem issues and discomfort. We want to make sure that every child has an opportunity to have a beautiful smile, so we hope that this blog has helped provide some information to help you and your child through this condition.
Author Bio:
Creating perfect smiles is what Dr. Satish Pai is committed to. An orthodontist by profession, he believes that a perfect smile is a powerful part of a person’s personality. When he is not working hard on perfecting his patients’ smiles at Putnam Ortho, he is busy writing engaging articles about everything related to healthy and perfect smiles. His other passions include golf, yoga and surfing. Spending time with his family always brings a smile on his face.