The Prevalence of Etiologic Factors for Tooth Discoloration in Female Students in Isfahan High Schools

Abstract

Background: Tooth discoloration has different etiologic factors, many of which can be prevented. The exact mode of inheritance has been clearly established in only a few of these conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and etiology of tooth discoloration in female teenage students of Isfahan.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 384 female students were examined for tooth discoloration. The examination was conducted by explorer and mirror. The information was recorded and analyzed by an SPSS program.

Results: Relative frequency for etiologic factors of tooth discoloration consisted of caries 71.1%, extrinsic stains 24.7%, hypoplasia 19.8%, root and crown filling materials 19.8%, trauma 0.8%, chlorhexidine mouth wash 0.3% and fluorosis 0.3%.

Conclusion: Dental caries were the most common cause of tooth discoloration, according to the results of this study. It is important, therefore, to search for the agents that are responsible for producing such a high prevalence of dental caries. This requires careful analysis of oral hygiene and other nutritional attributes of all foods and drinks.

Keywords: Dental caries, dental fluorosis, stains, tooth discoloration