Determination of the prevalence and the etiological factors of black tooth stains in children

Black tooth stains is a common clinical finding in children. These stains are considered as a special type of dental plaque discoloration. Unlike other discolorations, it contains insoluble iron salts and a high proportion of copper, calcium and phosphate. Black material is ferric sulfate, a ferric salt formed by the hydrogen sulfide reaction produced by bacteria with saliva or gingival fluid (Fe2(SO4)3). Dominant microorganisms in black stains have been reported as Actinomyces spp. and Prevotella melaninogenicus. However, the possible interaction between microbiota and cariogenic microbiota associated with these discolorations is not yet known. It is noteworthy that the factors affecting the formation of black tooth stains are associated with low risk of caries. However, there are few studies on saliva factors in individuals with black tooth discoloration and their relationship with caries experience. There is no consensus on the prevalence of black tooth discolorations in the literature. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and etiological factors of black tooth stains in 1000 patients between 3-12 years of age. The prevalence and the etiological factors of black tooth stains were investigated in 1000 patients aged between 3 and 12 years who are referred to Ege University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry. A questionnaire was applied to the parents of patients in the study and control groups in order to evaluate socio-demographic status, systemic condition, professional dental care, oral hygiene and feeding habits. Black tooth stains and dental plaque samples were taken from the patients included in the study after oral examination. Microbiological analysis were performed at Ege University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology Industrial Microbiology Laboratory. The data were evaluated statistically by Student-t test, Mann Whitney-U test, Fisher Exact Test and Chi-square test. As a result of the study, the prevalence of black tooth stain was found to be 4.4%. It was determined that black tooth stains increased with iron drug use in children. A negative correlation was found between caies prevalance and black tooth stain. There was no statistically significant relationship between S. mutans and Actinomyces spp. and black tooth stains. A negative correlation was found between black tooth discolorations and Lactobacillus spp. Further studies with larger number of the subjects and searching more microorganisms are needed on children with black tooth stains.