Dental Assistant Practice Exam

What does diastema refer to in dental terms?

1. Normal jaw relations

2. Narrow cutting edge of anterior teeth

3. No contact point between the teeth

4. Broad chewing surface of posterior teeth

The correct answer is: No contact point between the teeth

Diastema is a dental term specifically used to describe a space or gap between two teeth, which is often noted in the context of having no contact point between them. This condition is most frequently observed between the anterior teeth, such as the incisors. Understanding diastema is crucial for dental professionals, as it can be related to various factors, including natural variations in tooth size, spacing due to misalignment, or even conditions like periodontal disease. Identifying the presence of diastema can guide dental practitioners in assessing overall dental health and planning appropriate treatment options. The other choices, while relevant to dental terminology and concepts, do not accurately describe diastema. Normal jaw relations refer to the alignment and functional relationships of the upper and lower jaws, the narrow cutting edge pertains to the shape of anterior teeth, and the broad chewing surface is more relevant to posterior teeth anatomy.