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Description

Background: The appearance of stains on primary teeth is a common concern that often leads patients to seek dental care. The increasing emphasis on aesthetics has fueled the proliferation of toothpastes and products with exaggerated claims of achieving "bright white" teeth. This article examines the causes of extrinsic stains in primary dentition and presents evidence-based strategies to address them effectively.
Methods: Extrinsic stains are categorized based on their source, causative factors, and visual characteristics. Factors such as diet, environmental exposure, inadequate oral hygiene, and the use of specific medications or antiseptics contribute to the formation of these stains.
Results: Black stains, often persistent and non-removable through brushing, are predominantly linked to bacteria like Prevotella melaninogenica, Actinomyces israelii, and Actinomyces naeslundii. These microbes produce hydrogen sulfide, which reacts with salivary iron to create ferric sulfide, resulting in discoloration. Brown stains arise from tannins found in dietary sources, while green stains are commonly caused by copper-containing mouthwashes. Effective treatment for extrinsic staining includes professional cleaning, polishing, and the use of whitening toothpaste with oxidizing agents like peroxide. Toothpaste formulations containing enzymatic agents, such as fungal proteolytic enzymes, or other compounds like papain, alumina, and sodium citrate, have demonstrated success in reducing external stains.
Conclusion: External bleaching is not suitable for primary teeth due to safety concerns. Dental professionals must educate caregivers on the causes of stains and emphasize preventive measures such as dietary adjustments, proper oral hygiene practices, and routine dental visits to minimize recurrence.

Keywords

black stains; dental discoloration; toothpaste; extrinsic discoloration; green stains; microabrasion

Document Type

Poster

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Extrinsic stains in primary teeth: insights and interdiction

Background: The appearance of stains on primary teeth is a common concern that often leads patients to seek dental care. The increasing emphasis on aesthetics has fueled the proliferation of toothpastes and products with exaggerated claims of achieving "bright white" teeth. This article examines the causes of extrinsic stains in primary dentition and presents evidence-based strategies to address them effectively.
Methods: Extrinsic stains are categorized based on their source, causative factors, and visual characteristics. Factors such as diet, environmental exposure, inadequate oral hygiene, and the use of specific medications or antiseptics contribute to the formation of these stains.
Results: Black stains, often persistent and non-removable through brushing, are predominantly linked to bacteria like Prevotella melaninogenica, Actinomyces israelii, and Actinomyces naeslundii. These microbes produce hydrogen sulfide, which reacts with salivary iron to create ferric sulfide, resulting in discoloration. Brown stains arise from tannins found in dietary sources, while green stains are commonly caused by copper-containing mouthwashes. Effective treatment for extrinsic staining includes professional cleaning, polishing, and the use of whitening toothpaste with oxidizing agents like peroxide. Toothpaste formulations containing enzymatic agents, such as fungal proteolytic enzymes, or other compounds like papain, alumina, and sodium citrate, have demonstrated success in reducing external stains.
Conclusion: External bleaching is not suitable for primary teeth due to safety concerns. Dental professionals must educate caregivers on the causes of stains and emphasize preventive measures such as dietary adjustments, proper oral hygiene practices, and routine dental visits to minimize recurrence.