- Incompatibility between teeth sizes and jaw bone
- Habits such as an improper swallowing reflex and thumb-sucking
- Periodontal (or gum) disease.
Improper swallowing reflex and gum disease may lead to aches that force you to finally set that dentist appointment you’re so anxious to go through with. One example of an improper swallowing reflex is the tongue thrusting habit. As exciting as that sounds, it’s when you keep thrusting your tongue towards your front teeth while swallowing instead of letting your tongue hit your palate (roof of your mouth). The repeated force the tongue exerts on the front teeth pushes it, therefore, creating a gap. On the other hand, gum disease leads to losing bones which support your teeth. In turn, teeth become loose which may result to diastema. Symptoms Symptoms manifest differently depending on its cause. If it is due to an imperfect fit between teeth size and jaw bone, no symptoms occur. But when it is because of habits or gum disease, the space between teeth is highly

- Breaking bad habits. Tongue thrusting habit can be corrected through learning to push their tongues up their palates instead of thrusting it towards their front teeth. Thus, the widening of the spaces between the teeth can be prevented.
- Early/interceptive orthodontics. Treatment in young children around ages 6 or 7 may lessen chances of future dental problems such as diastema.
- Maintaining proper and consistent oral hygiene. This is the best way of prevention. Ensuring good oral health will lessen your chances of having future teeth or gum problems.