Perception on diastema medialle (Mwanya) among dental patients attending Muhimbili National Hospital

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the perception on maxillary and mandibular diastema medialle among patients attending Muhimbili National Hospital Dental Clinic. A total of 200 males and females adult patients attending Muhimbili National Hospital Dental Clinic, were randomly selected. A pre-structured questionnaire in Kiswahili language was used to collect data. Of the 200 respondents, 26%, 11% and 8% reported to have maxillary, mandibular and both arches diastema medialle, respectively. Only a few respondents did perceive and consider diastema medialle as a sign of beauty (10% maxillary, 3% mandibular and 3% both maxillary and mandibular diastema medialle. More than one third of the respondents (31%-37%) preferred maxillary and mandibular diastema medialle for both females and males. For those who reported that mandibular diastema medialle is better for males, (90.9%) were females (P<0.05, x = 19.22). In conclusion, since only 10% of the respondents regarded diastema medialle as a sign of beauty, oral health personnel have to be aware in case some individuals may demand closure of diastema medialle.

Tanzania Dental Journal Vol. 12(2) 2006: 50-57