Influence of Dental Students' Dietary Habits on Tooth Color

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the influence of dental students' dietary habits on tooth color. Materials and Methods: The ethical committee of Mersin University granted permission to conduct the study (number 2022/708). The consent form was approved by all participants. The following exclusion criteria were used for the selection of participants: gingival problems, the presence of excessive abrasion, dental malocclusion, a history of orthodontic or bleaching treatment, caries, and composite fillings on the facial surfaces of the teeth. A questionnaire consisting of 18 questions was directed to 202 students included in the study. The color of the upper central incisors and canines of the participants who completed the questionnaire was measured using a clinical spectrophotometer device(Vita Easyshade V). Tooth color assessment was performed by a calibrated operator. The L*, C*, H*, a*, and b* parameters were recorded. Data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis, Spearman's rho correlation analysis and multivariate testing. Results: The sample consisted of 202 dentistry students. 96.5% of the participants were between the ages of 18-25 and more than half were female. L*, C*, H*, a*, and b* mean values in canine and incisor teeth did not differ statistically significantly according to age groups(p>0.05). The mean values of C* and b* in canine teeth and the mean values of all parameters except L* in incisor teeth showed significant differences according to gender(p<0.05). Staining beverages in the diet had no effect on L*, C*, H*, a*, and b* parameters of the canine and incisor teeth. A negative correlation was found between the frequency of consuming energy drinks and the L* value in the incisor teeth(r=-0.215; p=0.016). Conclusion: Females have lighter teeth than males. The increase in the amount of consumption of the evaluated staining beverages is one of the factors that cause the tooth colors to become darker and mat.