Prevalence and Etiology of Maxillary Midline Diastema among University Students, Hodeidah Governorate, Yemen: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Aim: This study assessed the prevalence and etiological factors of maxillary midline diastema (MMD) in students attending different colleges and universities in Al-Hodeidah governorate, Yemen.

Participants and methods: A total of 1,661 participants from different universities in Al-Hodeidah governorate were assessed, analyzed, and screened for the presence or absence of MMD. Only 246 had positive MMD and were divided five age-groups. Maxillary midline diastema width was assessed, and three groups were established: groups I (0.5-1 mm), II (1.1-2 mm), and III (over 2 mm). Associations of MMD with gender, family history, and etiology of MMD were documented. The data were recorded and statistically analyzed.

Results: Out of the total students from different colleges, 1,107 were males (66.6%). The 19-20-year age-group was the largest (712; 42.9%), and 264 participants had positive MMD (15.9%). A significant difference in MMD was found between genders (p = 0.002), but no significant differences were found among different age-groups (p = 0.511). Highly attached labial frenum attachment was the most frequent cause of MMD. Males were larger in number and had higher percentages for all different causes, and a significant difference was observed between genders in terms of highly attached labial frenum and generalized spacing parameters (p = 0.004, 0.009). The Chi-squared test showed significant differences in family history and presence of MMD between genders (p = 0.016). Large MMD widths were recorded in groups I, II, and III (1.00, 1.5, and 2.1 mm, respectively), which were together 108 (83.1%), 60 (87.0%), and 16 (53.3%), respectively.

Conclusion: The prevalence of MMD can be considered high in the participants and slightly higher in males. Among the causative factors of MMD, a highly attached labial frenum was the most common cause. Group II recorded the highest number of participants with large MMD widths, followed by group I.

Clinical significance: Addressing the prevalence and causes of MMD can result in proper planning to minimize further esthetic appearances and functional complications. How to cite this article: Al-Zazai HSAA, Al-Haddad K, Al-Harazi G, et al. Prevalence and Etiology of Maxillary Midline Diastema among University Students, Hodeidah Governorate, Yemen: A Cross-sectional Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(10):968-975.

Keywords: Age; Etiology of diastema; Gender; Maxillary midline diastema; Prevalence Width of diastema..