The Aging Gap: Why Diastema Often Gets Worse With Time?
DeForest, WI

If you’ve noticed the gap between your front teeth getting wider over the years, you’re not imagining things—and you’re definitely not alone. This space, known as diastema, can become more pronounced as we age, often surprising patients who assumed their dental alignment was here to stay.

But what causes this widening with age, and what can you do about it? Let’s explore why diastema tends to worsen over time—and how to stop it in its tracks.

What Diastema Is About?

Diastema is a term used to describe any space or gap between two teeth, most commonly the upper front teeth. While it’s often harmless and even seen as a unique trait by some, others may feel self-conscious or concerned, especially if the gap grows wider over time.

Contrary to popular belief, diastema isn’t just genetic—it can be influenced by lifestyle, oral habits, and yes, the aging process.

Why Your Tooth Gap May Be Growing With Age

Here’s a breakdown of why diastema might be more noticeable as you grow older:

1. Bone Loss Over Time

As we age, we naturally begin to lose bone density, including in our jaws. When bone support weakens, teeth can shift or spread apart—especially the front teeth, which experience constant pressure from chewing and tongue movement.

2. Gum Recession

Aging gums tend to recede, exposing more of the tooth and reducing the support system that once held teeth tightly in place. This leads to mobility and the gradual widening of existing gaps.

3. Tooth Wear & Tear

Years of biting, grinding, and chewing can wear down enamel and change how your teeth fit together. When the bite shifts, your teeth may slowly drift apart.

4. Lingual Pressure

Habits like tongue thrusting, where the tongue presses against the front teeth during swallowing or speaking, can cause gradual spacing. The effects are often subtle at first but become more evident with time. Early intervention from a Madison dentist can correct this habit and stop the gap from getting worse.

According to the National Library of Medicine, nearly 30% of adults aged 40 and older experience some form of midline spacing or diastema—and this number increases with age. It’s not just about appearance, either. Gaps can signal underlying dental concerns like gum disease, bone loss, or improper bite alignment.

Why Should You Care?

It’s easy to brush off a tooth gap as just a cosmetic issue, but ignoring it could lead to more significant problems down the road:

• Shifting teeth can throw off your bite.
• Food traps in the gap can increase the risk of decay.
• Gum irritation is more common with large spacing.
• Speech changes may occur if the gap becomes too wide.

What Can You Do About a Growing Diastema?

The good news? You don’t have to live with a growing gap. Here are several ways to address it:

Orthodontic Treatment

Clear Aligners or traditional braces can realign your teeth and close gaps over time—safely and predictably.

Dental Bonding

This is a fast, non-invasive option that uses tooth-colored resin to fill in small to moderate gaps.

Veneers

Custom porcelain shells can reshape your smile and hide diastema with a natural appearance.

Frenectomy

Sometimes, an oversized labial frenum (the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums) contributes to spacing. A minor procedure called a frenectomy can fix it.

Periodontal Treatment

If gum disease is the culprit, addressing that first is key. Scaling, root planing, and gum grafts may help stop the progression and maintain tooth stability.

Prevention Is Powerful—Even as You Age

Here’s how to help keep your smile gap-free (or gap-stable) as you age:

• Brush and floss daily to prevent gum disease.
• Avoid habits that strain your front teeth, like biting pens or tongue thrusting.
• Visit a dentist regularly to catch early signs of shifting or bone loss.
• Ask about bone density if you’re over 40—your jawbone matters as much as your spine!

Diastema might seem like a harmless quirk, but if it’s getting worse over time, your mouth could be telling you something. From bone loss and gum recession to age-related wear, the causes are more than skin deep. And luckily, today’s dental solutions—from bonding to braces—make it easier than ever to restore your confident smile.

If you’re concerned about changes in your smile, don’t wait for the gap to widen. Schedule a consultation with our dentist and explore the best options for your long-term oral health.