[Black stain: a common problem in pediatrics].
BACKGROUND
Black stain is a common discoloration in pediatric patients. It is caused by microorganisms present in the saliva and is characterized by distinctive dark dots localized at the tooth surface parallel to the gingiva, both in deciduous and permanent dentition.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of black stain in a group of children in Valencia, Spain and its relationship with dental caries.


METHODS
A total of 1,100 children aged between 4 and 11 years old were examined by a single observer between January and June 2003.


RESULTS
The prevalence of black stain varied in the children studied.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of black stain was 7.54 % in our study. No differences were found between sexes or between anterior and posterior teeth. Treatment of black stain consists of professional cleaning every couple of months since the discoloration frequently tends to reappear.
Paredes Gallardo
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V
Centro de Salud Serreria, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Valencia, Spain. clinicaparedes@medynet.com
Paredes Cencillo
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C
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D014075:Tooth Discoloration / Q000453:epidemiology*