Evaluation of the children with black tooth stain according to the severity of the stain and the number of affected primary teeth: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate a group of Turkish children with black tooth stain (BTS) according to the severity of stains (SBST) and number of black stained primary teeth (NBST). Material and Methods: The children with BTS aged 4-6 years who met the inclusion criteria were selected. Teeth were examined for SBST, NBST, caries and plaque index. The demographic factors, medical and birth history, nutritional status, habits in infancy, using of iron supplements, oral hygiene habits, presence of BTS in parents/siblings, and dietary habits were compared according to SBST and NBST. The data were analyzed with the SPSS program. Results: A total of 120 patients (53 females, 67 males) were included. It was found that NBST increased with age. NBST and severe BTS were found to be higher in children born by cesarean section compared to those born by vaginal delivery (p=0.014; p=0.004). The children who fed with nursing bottles less than 6 months have lower NBST (p<0.001). The mild BTS was more common in children who used no iron supplements (81%). Children with plaque index score 0 and 1 did not have severe BTS, while 94.4% of children with plaque index 3 had severe BTS (p<0.001). The difference between decayed, missing, and filled teeth according to SBTS was not found significant (p=0.232). Conclusion: In conclusion, it was found that both the NBST and SBST were differed according to age, type of birth, breastfeeding, using nursing bottles, using iron supplements, consumption of cariogenic foods, and presence of BTS in parents/siblings.