Impact of Common Fruit Juices and Toothbrushing on the Discoloration of Primary Teeth

Tooth discoloration is a common esthetic concern that may influence psychosocial development and peer interactions during childhood. This in vitro study aimed to compare the discoloration potential of fruit juices frequently consumed by children-black mulberry, organic pomegranate, and organic orange-and to evaluate whether brushing with fluoridated or non-fluoridated toothpastes reduces these changes in primary teeth. Eighty sound primary teeth extracted due to trauma, orthodontic indications, or natural exfoliation and free of caries, restorations, enamel defects, or pre-existing discoloration were included. Samples were divided into four immersion groups (n = 20): saline (control), black mulberry juice, organic pomegranate juice, and organic orange juice. Each group was further divided into brushed and unbrushed subgroups, with brushed specimens treated using either fluoridated or non-fluoridated toothpaste (n = 10). All teeth were immersed for 28 days, and color measurements were obtained at baseline, day 7, and day 28 using a dental spectrophotometer according to the CIELab system. All fruit juices produced clinically perceptible discoloration (ΔE > 3.3), and each juice caused higher staining than the saline control. Black mulberry and pomegranate produced the greatest total discoloration, while orange juice resulted in markedly lower ΔE values. Brushing consistently reduced discoloration across all groups; however, no significant difference was found between fluoridated and non-fluoridated toothpastes, indicating that the mechanical action of brushing-rather than fluoride content-was primarily responsible for stain reduction. These findings reinforce the susceptibility of primary enamel to pigment-rich beverages and highlight the importance of effective brushing habits in minimizing extrinsic discoloration in children. Clinically, these findings suggest that despite the high staining potential of these fruit juices, strict adherence to daily brushing routines can effectively mitigate esthetic degradation in primary teeth, regardless of the toothpaste's fluoride content.