Widely spaced teeth

Considerations:
Increased spacing can be seen as a temporary, normal condition related to acquisition of adult teeth. Increased spacing of teeth occurs as a permanent condition in several storage diseases. Wide spacing can also result from continued growth of the maxilla or jaw as is seen in acromegaly .

Common Causes:

Note: There may be other causes of widely spaced teeth. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for widely spaced teeth, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:

  • Call your health care provider.
  • Ask about possibility of orthodontic work to improve appearance if it is bothersom.



Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

  • your child's teeth or jaw appear to be developing abnormally.
  • other symptoms accompany the appearance of widely spaced teeth.



What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail may include:

  • What other symptoms are also present?
  • Are there abnormally colored teeth?
  • Are there abnormally shaped teeth?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed are:

After seeing your health care provider:
Most often, this is a normal finding. If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider as the cause of widely spaced teeth, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.