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I Notice That Many Adults Have a Gap Between Their Two Front Teeth. Is This Always a Form of Periodontal Gum Disease?

Doctor Answers 5

April 28th, 2013

Gaps between teeth due to gum disease?

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Not necessarily.  If the gums are healthy and teeth are not loose, then it's usually a genetic trait passed on by parent or grandparent.  It may also be due to extra gum tissue called frenum that's present in the gap that may need to be trimmed if the gap is to be closed.


Columbus Dentist

April 27th, 2013

Space between upper teeth

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No in many cases it is caused by muscle called the frenum which can be removed good luck.   Kevin coughlin dmd MBA  magd. CEO Baystate dental pc

Kevin Coughlin, DMD
Springfield Dentist

April 29th, 2013

Cause of Space Between Front Teeth

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Thanks for your question--to answer it further, having a gap between two front teeth is not necessarily a form of periodontal gum disease.  Assuming gums/tissues are health, it could be a result of genetics, or even a result of the jaw/tooth size respectively.  Of course, making sure that gums and teeth are in healthy condition is a primary focus, and regular checkups will help to ensure this. 

Jon G. Rischer, DDS
Columbia Dentist

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April 29th, 2013

Gap Between Front Teeth

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The gap can be caused by a number of things.

It could be genetic. Some people have very large jaw bones and small teeth so there is always extra space.

There could be a muscle that attaches to the upper lip pulling on the gum tissue in between the front teeth. 

Some patients like having a gap as they believe it "adds character."

If the gap is not caused by periodontal disease (bone loss) then it only needs to be treated for cosmetic purposes.

Sylvan Fain, DDS
Miami Dentist

April 28th, 2013

Gap

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It could be periodontal, genetic, or due to a frenum which extends between the teeth on either side of the gap

Murray Bruckel, DDS
Norwalk Dentist

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.