Prevalence and Perception of Midline Diastema among Students of Institute of Health Information Management, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: Midline diastema is a normal occurrence in the development of the human dentition, occurring usually during the mixed dentition stage, and is expected to close up afterwards. However, for several reasons including heredity and ethnicity, the space may persist. The choice to intervene, is largely dependent on personal preference. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and perception of midline diastema among students of Institute of Health Information Management, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Methods: A total of 100 Nigerian students of the Institute of Health Information Management, UBTH, Benin Citywereenrolledinthisstudy,16(16%)malesand84(84%).Anelevenitemself-administered questionnaire which assessed demography, the presence, perception of diastema and preference for diastema was the data collection tool.

Results: The study population had 28% prevalence of the midline diastema, with a higher incidence in females (85.7%). Most cases in this study were recorded in the maxillary arch (82.2%). More than half (51%) of the study population perceived it as a sign of beauty. A significant percentage (46.4%) of those with midline diastema in this study, reported having positive family history of parents with midline diastema.

Conclusion: Based on this study, midline diastema is regarded as a sign of beauty by most people, and heredity is an important factor in the occurrence of midline diastema. Patient's opinion is important in the management of midline diastema.

Keywords: Midline, diastema, prevalence, perception, Nigeria