Prevalence of intrinsic tooth discolouration among 11-16 year-old Nigerians

600 children aged 12 to 16 years were examined in the Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria to determine the prevalence and types of intrinsic tooth discoloration. 306 boys and 294 girls were selected from six schools (3 primary and 3 secondary schools) by stratified random sampling. The teeth of the children were examined in a wet state for intrinsic stains, however, no attempt was made at aetiologic diagnosis of enamel hypoplasia and enamel opacities, diagnosis were based on clinical presentations. A 37.7% (226) prevalence of intrinsic tooth discolouration was recorded among the subjects. 36.0% (110) of the boys and 39.5% (116) of the girls had intrinsic tooth discolourations. The differences in prevalence of intrinsic tooth discolouration among the sexes and among the social classes were not statistically significant (p = 0.375 and p = 0.272). There was, however, a statistical difference in prevalence of intrinsic tooth discolouration among the age categories (p = 0.0013), with the older adolescents showing a higher prevalence of stains. This is linked to the greater possibility of presenting with acquired intrinsic tooth discolouration as one gets older. The commonest types of intrinsic tooth discoloration were enamel opacities (23.0%), tetracycline staining (9.2%) and enamel hypoplasia (7.3%). Other intrinsic tooth discolourations were those due to dental caries (4.3%), pulp necrosis/ haemorrhage (0.8%), toothwear (0.3%), and discoloured restorations (0.3%). A very low level of utilisation of dental services was noted, with 91.5% (549) of the subjects reporting that they had never visited a dentist. The common intrinsic tooth discolorations seen in the study are those usually associated with childhood malnutrition, preventable childhood diseases and the irrational use of drugs (tetracyclines). There is a need to intensify child immunization efforts in the community as well as health education and promotion activities geared toward proper nutrition and the rational use of drugs. The establishment of school meals in primary and secondary schools in the LGA will go a long way in improving nutrition and prevent the tooth discolouration types associated with poor nutrition. Dental services may be made more available, accessible and affordable for the children by the establishment of a school oral healthcare programme.