What is the recommended course of action for a 10-year-old with a diastema?

In the context of managing a diastema in a 10-year-old, observation until the canine erupts is the most appropriate course of action. At this age, children are typically still in the mixed dentition phase, where both primary and permanent teeth coexist. It is common for children to exhibit diastema because the eruption sequence of teeth may not be complete, and space may temporarily exist between teeth.

As the permanent canines emerge, they can exert significant changes in the dental arch that may naturally close the gap. In many cases, the diastema observed is a transient condition that resolves on its own without intervention. It is essential to monitor the situation, as early restoration, placement of space maintainers, or orthodontic consultations may not only be unnecessary but could also disrupt the natural progression of tooth development and alignment.

Those other options might be warranted depending on individual circumstances, but for a typically developing 10-year-old with diastema, waiting for the canines to erupt is typically the best management approach.