Having properly-aligned teeth is critical to a healthy mouth and the overall health of your body. Large gaps between teeth can cause bacterial growth and plaque build-up, leading to tooth decay or periodontal disease. Gaps can also cause trouble biting, chewing, or swallowing, and cause pain in your teeth or jaw. For these reasons, it’s best to close gaps between your teeth.
However, the small gap between the top front teeth – called a diastema – is quite common, and many people elect to not close this gap because they like the way it looks. A small diastema is not a serious concern, but it’s especially important to maintain proper oral hygiene to prevent any decay or damage, and always remember, gaps will increase in size as you get older. That is why it is important to close them on time to avoid future issues.