Pattern of tooth discoloration and care-seeking behavior among adolescents in an underserved rural community in Nigeria

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the pattern of tooth discoloration and care-seeking behavior among adolescents in a Nigerian community. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire was carried out among 384 adolescents in Idere, Southwestern Nigeria. The questionnaire comprised questions on sociodemographic data, presence of tooth discoloration, and care-seeking behavior. Two calibrated examiners examined the labial and buccal surfaces of the teeth for the presence of tooth discoloration. Frequencies and bar charts were generated, and Chi-square test was used to test the association between categorical variables at P < 0.05. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 14.7 ± 2.3 years, comprising 222 (57.8%) and 162 (42.2%) in junior and senior secondary schools, respectively. Intraoral examination revealed 167 (43.9%) had discolored teeth while 127 (33.1%) perceived that they had discolored teeth. Extrinsic stains were the major cause of tooth discoloration in both anterior and posterior teeth (18%-84%) except in upper anterior teeth where enamel hypoplasia was the major cause (20%-30%). Among participants who perceived that they had tooth discoloration, 81.9% mentioned that they did not know that the discoloration can be treated. Older participants had more discolored teeth than their counterparts ( P = 0.01). Age group, sex, and class of participants were associated with frequency of tooth brushing ( P < 0.05). Participants who had anterior or intrinsic tooth discoloration sought care more often than those with posterior or extrinsic tooth discoloration ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: Extrinsic staining was the major cause of tooth discoloration. Many adolescents did not know that the discoloration can be treated.