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


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
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.
Xiao
J
J
Key Laboratory for Oral Biomedical Engineering Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.
Zhou
X D
XD
Zhu
W C
WC
Zhang
B
B
Li
J Y
JY
Xu
X
X
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001628:Beverages; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor; D007182:Income; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods; D015995:Prevalence; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology; D014075:Tooth Discoloration / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D014505:Urban Population