Should I Worry About Gaps Between My Child’s Teeth?

It’s so exciting when your child has their first teeth come in. As their sweet smile develops, you may notice that there are some gaps between their teeth. A gap between their two front teeth could be cute to you now, but you may wonder if it’s something you should worry about for the future. Here’s the scoop!

The Presence of Gaps in a Child’s Smile

First off, let us say that it’s totally normal to see gaps between your child’s baby teeth, particularly between the upper front teeth. It’s common for these gaps to close up on their own over time as their mouth develops and changes. Having these gaps may even help when their permanent teeth come in so there’s enough room for all the teeth to fit without crowding. This is because your child will have 20 baby teeth at age 3 but 28 adult teeth by age 12-13.

That being said, not all gaps are alike! Very large gaps may be the result of a tooth being missing or unable to erupt properly. Another possible situation is if your child has teeth that are too small to fill in the whole space around the jaw. If you’re concerned about a certain gap in your child’s smile that has been there for a while, it’s worth bringing them to the dentist to check it out and ease any concerns you may have.

Treatment for Gapped Teeth

If it’s determined that your child’s gapped teeth need to be fixed with dental intervention, there are a few different treatment options available. Which one your child receives will entirely depend on what’s causing the gap. That’s why it’s always a good idea to consult with a children’s dental professional early on.

For example, if the gap is caused by an issue with the soft piece of tissue right behind the upper lip, a procedure called a frenectomy might be the answer. Another example is that if a child has extra teeth which prevent other teeth from erupting into their correct spaces, then it’s possible orthodontic treatment or another restorative treatment might be the answer.

Consult with Our Team!

At Safari Children’s Dentistry & Braces, we provide comprehensive pediatric dentistry, including orthodontics, so we’re here to answer any questions you might have about your child’s smile. If you’re concerned about gaps between your child’s teeth, don’t hesitate to set up a consultation with our team. We’d be happy to welcome your child for their first visit with us!

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