Effect of pH and viscosity of two different iron supplements on enamel discoloration in permanent teeth: an in vitro...

Iron supplements are used as a common remedy to treat iron deficiency for years. Despite widespread research of iron on primary teeth discoloration, their esthetic side effect on permanent teeth remains underexplored. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of different viscosity and pH of two commonly used iron supplements on enamel discoloration of extracted permanent teeth.

Sixty extracted single-rooted permanent teeth were divided into three groups: Ferosoft (pH-5.25, viscosity 0.44 cP), Maltofer (pH- 4.47, viscosity 0.07 cP), and control (artificial saliva). Teeth were immersed in the respective solutions for 2 weeks, with the solutions replaced after every 48 h to replenish iron. Tooth shade was recorded at baseline, after one week, and after two weeks using the VITA classical shade guide. Mean color change was calculated by comparing baseline shade with shade after one and two weeks of exposure for each group. ANOVA and Tukey tests were used for statistical analysis after data entry into SPSS v.23.

Both Ferosoft and Maltofer caused significant enamel discoloration compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Maltofer showed the highest mean color change over time, though the difference between Ferosoft and Maltofer was not statistically significant.

Iron supplements cause significant enamel discoloration that can be esthetically displeasing. The greater staining potential of Maltofer is likely due to its lower pH and viscosity. Results of this study reiterate the importance of limiting the use of iron supplements to minimize the esthetic complications as a result of their use.