Mind the Gap: What Parents in Paradise Valley Should Know About Spaces in Kids’ Teeth
Mind the Gap: What Parents in Paradise Valley Should Know About Spaces in Kids’ Teeth
As a parent, it’s normal to wonder if those gaps between your child’s teeth are a problem—or perfectly normal. Spoiler alert: most of the time, those little spaces are a good thing! At Doctor Sugar Pediatric Dentistry in Paradise Valley, AZ, we’re here to demystify what those gaps really mean and when (if ever) they require attention.
Why Spaces in Baby Teeth Are Normal (and Healthy!)
Those cute gaps in your child’s smile often mean there’s room to grow. Literally!
Baby teeth are smaller than adult teeth, and those gaps leave space for the larger permanent teeth to come in properly.
Gaps can also help with speech development and make cleaning between teeth easier.
In most cases, they close naturally as permanent teeth erupt between ages 6–12.
So if your child has a gappy grin? That’s a sign their mouth is preparing for the next stage of dental growth.
When to Be Concerned About Gaps
While gaps in baby teeth are usually harmless, there are a few situations that may call for a visit to your pediatric dentist in Paradise Valley, AZ:
Gaps between permanent front teeth that don’t close on their own by age 12–13
Large gaps caused by extra (supernumerary) or missing teeth
A thick labial frenum (the tissue between the front teeth) that restricts natural closure
Gaps paired with speech issues or bite misalignment
If any of these sound familiar, don’t stress—our team at Doctor Sugar Pediatric Dentistry can evaluate your child’s smile and let you know if intervention is needed.
Can Orthodontics Help Close Gaps?
Yes! If a gap is due to tooth positioning or missing teeth, orthodontic treatment like braces or space maintainers may be recommended. The good news? Early evaluation means we can guide your child’s dental development and avoid more complex treatments later.
We often recommend your child have their first orthodontic assessment by age 7—even if everything seems fine. Catching small issues early is the key to smooth treatment later.
How to Support Healthy Tooth Spacing at Home
There’s no way to “prevent” gaps in teeth—it’s mostly about genetics and growth—but you can help maintain a healthy mouth so those developing teeth stay strong:
Encourage twice-daily brushing and flossing
Stick to low-sugar snacks and drinks
Visit your pediatric dentist in Paradise Valley, AZ every 6 months for checkups
Ask questions—we’re here to support you every step of the way!
Final Smile Tip from Doctor Sugar
Whether it’s a little gap-toothed smile or a full set of pearly whites, every stage of your child’s dental journey is important. At Doctor Sugar Pediatric Dentistry, we love watching our Paradise Valley kids grow healthy, confident smiles—gaps and all!
📍 Ready for your child’s next dental checkup? Book online or give us a call today.
