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 1751 (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. © 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.