Prevalence and Etiology of Maxillary Midline Diastema among University Students, Hodeidah Governorate, Yemen: A...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.