Closing the Gap

Every day we tend to pass by many individuals, hold conversations, and smile at one another without hesitation. However, it is unfortunate to witness smiles accompanied with leftover food lodged in the many spaces between teeth. After attending a vocational school for dental assisting, I have acquired much knowledge on dentistry with special attention to everyday oral health practices. While not everyone is concerned with their oral appearance, it is important to understand the benefit of braces and orthodontic practices, as well as the ways in which oral health can improve simply by closing the gaps. 

Spacing that occurs between teeth is a common dental occurrence, and these gaps can be identified as diastemas. The force of braces to help tighten and straighten the teeth not only make for a socially acceptable alignment of the teeth, but it also benefits the health of the gingiva (commonly known as the gums). After eating, one may notice, either in their mouths or when talking with others, particles of food stuck in the crevices between teeth and along the gingiva. When food sits along the gums and against a tooth for an extended period of time, the sugar from the food and the plaque presently on the tooth begin to combine chemically. This combination creates an acid, which in turn erodes at the enamel on the tooth. As one can imagine, the loss of enamel from this erosion causes the dishonorable and most unwanted form of dental decay: a cavity. In addition, the acid from the food particles also rests on the gingiva and can eventually cause the gum line to recede over time, creating the appearance of stick-like teeth as the roots become exposed.

While cavities and receding gum lines can occur in anyone’s mouth, the occurrence of these dental issues becomes increasingly more common when orthodontic practices are not used to eliminate diastemas in the mouth. Getting braces may not be of interest to everyone, and it is perfectly fine to go without! However, it is important to learn the consequences of keeping diastemas in the mouth and the effects it can have on one’s health in the long run.