In early childhood, diastemas up to 2 mm are considered which?

• A. Physiological growth
• B. Developmental anomalies
• C. Distal movement of the upper teeth
• D. Risk factors

Answer: (A)

Small spaces between the front teeth in early childhood are a normal part of development. These physiologic spaces arise because primary teeth are relatively small compared with the growing jaw, eruption timing varies, and there can be a little slack as the permanent teeth prepare to come in. A diastema of about 2 mm between the maxillary central incisors is common and typically not a sign of a problem. It often closes on its own as the mixed dentition develops and the canines and premolars erupt. The labial frenum can contribute to this space briefly, but it, too, usually resolves without intervention. Larger or persistent gaps, or gaps associated with abnormal frenum attachment or tooth size discrepancies, would prompt further evaluation, but up to 2 mm in early childhood is considered physiologic growth.