Prevalence of Anterior Teeth Discoloration in South Canara Population

Background: Discoloration of teeth is a frequent dental finding linked to aesthetic and clinical issues. Information on discoloration and its severity forms the foundation for the magnitude and calibre of prevention programs and treatment needs in a population.

Aims: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of discoloration in anterior teeth.

Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted on 2000 patients each in the years 2012 and 2014 reporting for treatment in A.B. Shetty Memorial institute of dental sciences and rural satellite centres. WHO criterion for detecting discoloration of teeth was followed.

Statistical Analysis Used: All the data was then coded and the prevalence of discoloured anterior teeth was evaluated according to age, gender, diet and location using the SPSS 15.0 software package for statistical analysis

Results: There was significant reduction in the prevalence of extrinsic and intrinsic stains between both the years, namely caries by 1.3%, fluorosis by 3.2%, tobacco by 12.2%, stains due to restorative materials by 0.7%. Also an increase of 3.8% was seen among individuals having tetracycline stains. However no significant differences were observed in individuals with chlorhexidine, plaque/calculus and food/beverage stains.

Conclusions: Due to the awareness created, reduction in the prevalence of stains due to caries, fluorosis, tobacco and restorative materials was seen. However more awareness needs to be created about stains due to tetracycline, chlorhexidine, plaque/calculus and food/beverages.