Competitive swimming and dental staining among Australian children

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundSwimming has classically been associated with a distinctive type of extrinsic dental staining. However, its prevalence and characteristics have not been explored in Australia. This case controlled cross‐sectional cohort study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of dental staining among children who swim competitively compared to non‐swimmers and its impact on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQL).MethodsParents and children from Western Australian swimming clubs completed a survey assessing swimming routine, risk factors for staining and OHRQL. Intra‐oral photographs were taken and staining of anterior teeth was assessed using a modified Lobene Stain Index. A Global Stain Score (GSS) was calculated and compared against age‐matched non‐swimmer controls.ResultsMaxillary anterior teeth from swimmers (n = 400) and non‐swimmers (n = 400) were analysed. Staining prevalence was greater in swimmers (83%) than non‐swimmers (44%). GSS scores were positively correlated with both the total lifetime swimming hours and practice time (P < 0.05), with a significant difference in GSS between swimmers and non‐swimmers (P = <0.001, OR: 6.21). Dietary factors for staining were not significantly correlated with GSS.ConclusionSwimmers had a greater risk of developing staining than non‐swimmers, and this negatively impacted their OHRQL. The extent and intensity of staining were associated with the amount of swimming.