The prevalence of tooth discolouration and the self-satisfaction with tooth colour in a Chinese urban population

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of tooth discolouration, self-satisfaction with tooth colour, and correlation with socio-demographic-behavioural factors in adults and teenagers in Chengdu, China.

Design: A cross-sectional survey.

Participants: 405 Chinese urban adults and teenagers from a multistage random probability sample.

Methods: Tooth colour was measured on the maxillary central incisors using a colorimeter. Tooth discolouration was determined according to the discolouration level figure and evaluation criteria. Self-satisfaction with tooth colour was assessed on a five-point qualitative scale. Data were coded and analyzed using SPSS software.

Results: The mean values for L*, a* and b* were 70.67 (s.d. 1.91), 4.29 (s.d. 2.05) and 17.51 (s.d. 4.13), respectively. Age and sex were the most important factors associated with tooth colour (P < 0.05). About half of the study population (48.9%) suffered from some tooth discolouration, and 52.6% were dissatisfied with their tooth colour. Education and smoking were significant factors affecting self-satisfaction with tooth colour (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Tooth discolouration is common among the Chinese, and many Chinese are dissatisfied with their tooth colour. Self-satisfaction with tooth colour decreased with increasing severity of discolouration. Further research is needed to determine types of tooth discolouration among broader regions in China.