title: Black stain and dental caries: a review of the literature.
abstract: Black stain is characterized as a dark line or an incomplete coalescence of dark dots localized on the cervical third of the tooth. Over the last century, the etiology of black stain has been the subject of much debate. Most of the studies concerning this issue were conducted in pediatric population. According to the reviewed articles published between 2001 and 2014, the prevalence of black stain varies from 2.4% to 18% with equal sex distribution. The majority of the authors confirm the correlation between the presence of black stain and lower caries experience. The microflora of this deposit is dominated by Actinomyces spp. and has lower cariogenic potential than nondiscolored dental plaque. Iron/copper and sulfur complexes are thought to be responsible for the dark color. In patients with black stain saliva has higher calcium concentrations and higher buffering capacity. Factors such as dietary habits, socioeconomic status, and iron supplementation may be contributing to the formation of black stain.
authors: Department of Maxillofacial Orthopaedics and Orthodontics, Wroclaw Medical University, Krakowska 26, 50425 Wroclaw, Poland.
authors: Tomasz
authors: T
authors: Żyła
authors: Department of Maxillofacial Orthopaedics and Orthodontics, Wroclaw Medical University, Krakowska 26, 50425 Wroclaw, Poland.
authors: Beata
authors: B
authors: Kawala
authors: Department of Maxillofacial Orthopaedics and Orthodontics, Wroclaw Medical University, Krakowska 26, 50425 Wroclaw, Poland.
authors: Joanna
authors: J
authors: Antoszewska-Smith
authors: Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Krakowska 26, 50425 Wroclaw, Poland.
authors: Maciej
authors: M
authors: Kawala
mesh_terms: D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism; D014075:Tooth Discoloration / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*