Tobacco and Color Parameters of Lateral Incisors in Young Adults

This study aims to identify the disparities in tooth color between young adult consumers and non-consumers of tobacco and/or nicotine products. The study population included healthy young individuals aged 18 to 30 years. Participants were instructed to refrain from smoking for at least 2 hours before to the study session, avoid dental hygiene for a minimum of 2 hours before the session, and abstain from eating and drinking for at least 2 hours preceding the study period. A total 58 young adults participated in this study, consisting of 29 tobacco and/or nicotine users and 29 non-users. The mean lightness±standard deviation for the cervical region of tooth 1.2 was 82.25±2.841145, whereas for tooth 2.2 it was 80.55±3.625857, both derived from non-consumers in the same location. A notable disparity was observed in the a* value for teeth 1.2 in the cervical region when comparing non-consumers to users (p=0.033176). A substantial difference was noted in the central area of tooth 2.2 when comparing non-consumers to smokers (p=0.013802) for the a* values. Understanding the reasons for tooth color changes is important for early detection and accurate assessment of future treatment outcomes.