The size of your teeth and jaw bone can be determined by genetics, so diastema can run in families. You may also develop diastema if there's an overgrowth of the tissue that borders your gum line and your two upper front teeth. This overgrowth causes a separation between these teeth, resulting in a gap.

What causes a diastema?

The most prevalent cause of a diastema is the size of the teeth relative to the size of the jawbone. Quite simply, if the teeth are too small for the mouth, gaps may appear between the teeth. The size of both the teeth and of the jaw are usually genetic, which is why diastema may appear to run in families.

What is diastema and what is its utility?

Diastema is a gap between your teeth. This can happen between any of your teeth. Because of its position, it's most noticeable when there's a gap between your upper front teeth.