What Is a Diastema, and Should the Gap Be Closed?
A diastema is a gap between the teeth. It is not harmful, and it appears in children and adults. In children, the gap typically closes when their permanent teeth come through. A diastema is a gap between teeth that is wider than 0.5 millimeters. It can develop between any teeth. Treatment is not usually necessary for medical reasons. But if a person dislikes the appearance of their diastema, it is possible to close or narrow the gap.
A diastema is a space between teeth, most often between the two upper front teeth. A long-standing gap may simply be part of your smile and doesn't need treatment if your teeth and gums are healthy. A new or widening gap in adult teeth is different. It should be evaluated before any cosmetic treatment, because it can be a sign of gum disease or a change in the bite.
Why can a gap develop?
Several things can contribute to spacing:
Teeth that are small relative to the size of the jaw
A missing or undersized tooth, often an upper lateral incisor
A large band of tissue (the frenum) that attaches between the upper front teeth
Habits that push the front teeth forward, such as tongue pressure when swallowing
Gum disease, which can loosen teeth and let them drift apart
The location and cause matter more than the size of the gap. New spacing, loose teeth or bleeding gums make a gum-health evaluation important.
Does every gap need to be closed?
No. If your teeth and gums are healthy and you like your smile, closing a stable gap isn't necessary. Some people keep theirs as part of their look. If you want a change, I look at the bite, the proportions of the teeth and how much healthy tooth structure is involved before recommending anything.
Can bonding close a gap between front teeth?
Composite bonding can be a good option for selected small spaces. Our bonding article shows actual cases and explains how we shape the contours. Making teeth wider isn't the right answer for every gap, though. If closing the space would make the front teeth look too wide, another approach may look better.
When might aligners or veneers make sense?
Clear aligners move teeth, while veneers change the visible surface. They solve different problems. Ask whether the goal is to change tooth position, tooth shape or both, and compare the maintenance and tooth preparation each involves. Sometimes the most natural-looking result combines them. A gap that is partly closed with aligners can then be finished with small amounts of bonding.
Talk about a tooth gap in Jacksonville
Contact CJ Henley, DMD at 3675 Hendricks Avenue near San Marco, or call 904-398-1549. If the gap has changed, bring photographs that show when it appeared. A dental examination comes first to confirm tooth and gum health before choosing among cosmetic treatment options.
Sources
American Dental Association, MouthHealthy. Gum disease.
About the author. CJ Henley, DMD, is a general dentist in Jacksonville whose practice focuses on cosmetic and restorative dentistry, dental implants and dental care around head and neck cancer. Meet Dr. Henley.
CJ Henley, DMD, PA · 3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 · 904-398-1549
Updated October 2026.
How to Stop Dry Mouth Caused by Diabetes
463 million people in the world have diabetes, according to the International Diabetes Foundation, and diabetes is known to raise the risk of certain dental health issues, including dry mouth. Dry mouth is much more than an annoyance that may make it a little difficult to speak sometimes. Fortunately, there are effective ways to ease or eliminate dry mouth.
Dry mouth is a common symptom in people with diabetes. Keeping your blood sugar in your target range treats the most common cause. While you work on that with your physician, the steps below can ease the dryness and protect your teeth. If the dryness lasts for weeks, have it evaluated, because medications and other conditions can cause it too.
Why does diabetes cause dry mouth?
Dry mouth, called xerostomia, can affect people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Several things contribute.
High blood glucose. When blood sugar runs high, the kidneys clear extra glucose in the urine and take water with it. That leaves you dehydrated, with less fluid for saliva.
Less saliva. Studies comparing people with and without diabetes generally find more dry-mouth complaints and lower saliva flow in people with diabetes, although the research quality is mixed. [1]
Medications. Many medicines commonly taken alongside diabetes treatment, including some for blood pressure and depression, list dry mouth as a side effect.
Nerve changes. Diabetic neuropathy may affect the nerves that control the salivary glands.
What does diabetic dry mouth feel like?
A sticky, dry mouth and frequent thirst
Bad breath
Cracked lips, especially at the corners
A dry, rough or burning tongue
A sore throat or hoarse voice
Trouble chewing, swallowing or speaking
Mouth sores or a yeast infection such as thrush
Why does dry mouth matter for your teeth?
Saliva neutralizes acid, washes away food and keeps bacteria and yeast in check. With less of it, cavities can develop faster, especially along the gumline, and gum disease and thrush become more likely. [2] Gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control, so managing dry mouth protects more than your teeth.
How to get rid of dry mouth from diabetes: 9 steps
Keep your blood sugar in your target range. This treats the cause rather than the symptom.
Sip water through the day and keep a glass by your bed.
Chew sugar-free gum or use sugar-free lozenges to stimulate saliva. Xylitol products are a reasonable choice.
Use a saliva substitute or a moisturizing gel, spray or rinse made for dry mouth, especially before bed.
Switch to an alcohol-free mouthwash. Alcohol-based rinses can make dryness worse.
Cut back on caffeine, alcohol and tobacco, which can all reduce saliva.
Run a humidifier at night and breathe through your nose when you can.
Protect your teeth with fluoride. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and ask your dentist whether a prescription-strength fluoride makes sense for you. We review diabetes and medications at every comprehensive dental exam.
Ask your physician to review your medications. A different drug or dose sometimes helps. Never stop or change a medication on your own.
Why is dry mouth worse at night?
Saliva flow naturally drops during sleep, so dryness is usually worst overnight and first thing in the morning. A moisturizing gel at bedtime, a humidifier and water within reach help most. If you snore or wake with a very dry mouth every day, tell your physician. Mouth breathing and sleep apnea are both common in people with diabetes and are worth checking.
When should you see a dentist about dry mouth?
See a dentist if dryness lasts more than a few weeks, or if you notice new cavities, a burning feeling, white patches or sores that don't heal. Prescription medicines that stimulate saliva, such as pilocarpine and cevimeline, are approved for dry mouth from specific causes like Sjögren's disease or radiation treatment. They are not right for everyone, and some health conditions rule them out, so your physician and dentist would weigh them for your situation. [3]
In our Jacksonville office, I treat dry mouth as something to diagnose rather than just cover up. Saliva, medications, diet and your cavity history all go into the plan. Learn more about dry mouth evaluation and treatment, or call 904-398-1549.
Sources
López-Pintor RM, et al. Xerostomia, hyposalivation, and salivary flow in diabetes patients. J Diabetes Res. 2016;2016:4372852. doi:10.1155/2016/4372852 (retrieved via PubMed)
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Diabetes, gum disease and other dental problems. Last reviewed January 2022.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Dry mouth.
About the author. CJ Henley, DMD, is a general dentist in Jacksonville who evaluates dry mouth and cares for patients whose medical conditions or treatments affect their teeth. Meet Dr. Henley.
CJ Henley, DMD, PA · 3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 · 904-398-1549
Updated October 2026.