Wealth, beauty, luck, and sex appeal are all associated with midline diastemas, the gap between the two front teeth that’s common among Black people. But these natural gaps have been used to shame our smiles and demean our culture. Here are myths we need shut down.
Myth #1: The Gap Is Ugly
Western standards of beauty view the gap as ugly, but in various African cultures, they symbolize beauty and wealth. Some African people who do not have the gap undergo painful procedures to create one.
Myth #2: The Gap Is Unhealthy
Most dentists and orthodontists now agree that diastemas are not unhealthy. They are a naturally occurring gap in children and adults.
Myth #3: The Gap Should Be Closed
Cosmetic treatment for gapped teeth is generally not necessary. In rare cases, a gap might need to be closed for health reasons.
Lies about our natural features are harmful to our psychological well-being and disrespectful to our culture. To celebrate our beauty and our pride in our culture, we must stop these lies in their tracks.