Effects on dental health of spacing of teeth in anterior segments

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Abstract
The relationship between spacing and dental health in 15-yr-old adolescents was examined. Of 156 subjects, 74 females and 73 males with 6 anterior teeth made up the study group for examination of the upper jaw. Seventy-five females and 75 males had 6 anterior teeth in the lower jaw and made up the study group for examination of the lower jaw. The Plaque Index (PII) and the Gingival Index (GI) were recorded. Probing depths (PG) were measured as explained by Glavind and Loe. Filled surfaces (FS) were taken from the individual case sheets and controlled clinically. The spacing of the individuals was assessed by counting the number of proximal surfaces without visible contact with the adjacent proximal surfaces, on model casts. The sum of proximal surfaces without contact made up the Space Index (SpI) of the individual jaw. Parametric and non-parametric statistical methods were used to analyze the data. In both sexes and both jaws proximal surfaces without interdental contact had a more favorable periondontal condition than surfaces with contact. In the upper jaw of both sexes, proximal surfaces without interdental contact had a reduced number of filled surfaces compared to surfaces with contact. The linear relationship between SpI and FS was significant, i.e., an increased number of surfaces without contact was accompanied by a reduced number of filled surfaces. In the lower jaw, the differences between the SpI groups and the linear relationship between SpI and FS did not reach significance. In both sexes and both jaws, proximal surfaces without fillings had a more favorable periodontal state compared to surfaces with fillings. Indications are that the summation effect of the presence of interdental contact and the presence of fillings contributed to the differences in periodontal condition between surfaces with and without interdental contact.

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