What may cause a diastema in a pregnant person between teeth #8 and #9 with chronic probing depths?

• A. Normal physiological changes
• B. Chronic periodontitis
• C. Distal drift of teeth
• D. Orthodontic treatment

Answer: (B)

A diastema, or a gap between two teeth, particularly between the maxillary central incisors (#8 and #9), can occur due to a variety of reasons. In the context of a pregnant individual with chronic probing depths, the most likely cause of a diastema is chronic periodontitis.

Chronic periodontitis is a progressive inflammatory disease that affects the supporting structures of the teeth, leading to tissue destruction and bone loss. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can exacerbate periodontal conditions, increasing the risk of gum disease and further contributing to periodontal breakdown. This breakdown can result in loss of attachment, which in turn can lead to mesial drifting of the teeth, widening the space between them.

In this case, the chronic probing depths suggest a significant periodontal issue likely related to chronic periodontitis. The inflammation and loss of periodontal support may be causing the teeth to shift, resulting in the diastema observed between the central incisors.

Other options, such as normal physiological changes or distal drift due to natural movement, may contribute to gaps but are less likely to be the primary cause in the presence of chronic probing depths. Orthodontic treatment could indeed cause diastemas, but that would not be applicable in this scenario without evidence of