I am a 48 year-old male. I have noticed a gap developing between my two upper front teeth. Is this a normal part of aging?

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I would go see a dentist. When a gap, or diastema, begins to open it could be a sign of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is loss of the bone around the teeth due to bacteria under the gums. It is commonly seen in adults over age 40.

Do the gums bleed when you floss or brush? Are the teeth in the area loose? Another cause could be lack of posterior teeth. If you have no back teeth and chew only with the front this can cause the front teeth to flare out causing spaces to develop.

Is there a habit of sucking on an object like a pen or thumb? This can cause the teeth to move, also.

Finally, there could be a cyst or other pathology causing the movement of the teeth.

A dentist can evaluate the area and give a more definite answer.

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DISCLAIMER: Ask a University Dentist is a University of Mississippi Medical Center informational program designed to provide general information on a variety of health topics. It is not a physician referral service, nor is it designed as a "second opinion" source for the initial diagnoses of individual health care providers. It is certainly not intended to take the place of your personal physician - should you or one of your family members have a medical problem, always consult your own physician for diagnosis and treatment.