Extrinsic tooth discolouration in 11-16 year-old Nigerian children

This study was done to ascertain the prevalence and aetiology of extrinsic stains among 11-16 year-old school children in Surulere, which is one of the Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos, Nigeria. 600 school children were randomly selected from 6 schools, 3 primary and 3 secondary, in the LGA. About 100 children were examined from each age category of 11 to 16 years for extrinsic stains, and information on their dietary and oral habits was obtained. A 64.0% prevalence of extrinsic stains was found among the study population (boys =64.5%, girls = 63.4%). The colour of the extrinsic stains ranged from yellow, brown, green, orange, black to red and were mainly due to poor oral hygiene. The extrinsic stains were derived mainly from food consumption and the action of chromogenic bacteria. The high level of extrinsic stains seen in this study is also a reflection of the low utilisation of dental services and subsequently of professional oral prophylaxis among the subjects as 91.5% had never visited a dentist and 94.8% had never had a professional oral prophylaxis. The prevalence of stains seen in the study population is higher than would be expected in adolescents who should be rather self-conscious at that age, the older adolescents even having a significantly higher prevalence of stains than younger adolescents (p < 0.05). No statistical difference in extrinsic stains prevalence was found among the sexes (p = 0.7) or among social classes (p> 0.05). The establishment of a school oral health care programme in the Local Government Area is advocated, as this may be the only source of oral care for these children. Dental health education and promotion services should be the main thrust of such services, which may be in form of fixed or mobile dental clinics.