Prevalence and Perception of Maxillary Midline Diastema in Africa: A Scoping Revie

Abstract

Background: Maxillary Midline Diastema (MMD) is a distinctive space or gap between the maxillary central
incisors. It is also called “open teeth” or “gapped teeth. True midline diastema has been defined as the one without
periodontal/periapical involvement and with the presence of all anterior teeth in the arch. It is most commonly
applied to an open space between the upper incisors, that is, maxillary midline diastema being the most common
of all the various types. Different people have different perceptions of MMD. The objective of the study was to
synthesize the prevalence and perception of MMD in Africa.
Method:The authors conducted a review that included literature searches of four databases through March 2022:
PubMed, Google Scholar, PMC, ResearchGate, and Cochrane library electronic databases on the prevalence and
perception of MMD in Africa.
Results: In all, 32 articles were identified, 19 of these were considered for review and 13 met the eligibility
criteria. The results showed MMD to be prevalent in Africa and found to be more in females than in males.
Conclusion: MMD is not uncommon in Africans and is perceived as a beauty sign among Nigerians and some
African populations