Abstract
Background: Aesthetic changes in tooth appearances have been reportedly associated with potentially negative impact on adolescents’ oral health-related quality of life. This study, therefore, aims to explore the relationship between tooth discoloration and its psychosocial impact on adolescents. Methodology: A cross-section of 374 twelve- to fifteen-year-olds were recruited into the study using multistage sampling. Information on biodata and psychosocial impact of tooth discoloration were obtained. Participants were examined for the presence of tooth discoloration using the Developmental Defects of Enamel and Deans indices. Psychosocial impact of tooth discoloration was measured using Oral Health Impact Profile. Analysis was done using chi-square and binary logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of tooth discoloration among the participants was 212 (56.7%), with 136 (36.4%) of participants having extrinsic stains as the commonest cause. Psychosocial impact was significantly associated with self-perception (p=0.000) of tooth as being discolored and not associated with the actual presence or absence of tooth discoloration on examination (p=0.208). Conclusion: The self-perception of tooth discoloration appears to have greater tendency to cause psychosocial impact than the actual presence of tooth discoloration. Adolescents should be given oral health education on tooth discoloration in schools.
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