Can tooth color be used as part of caries risk assessment? A cross-sectional study Tooth color and dental caries burden

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to investigate whether the colors of the maxillary central incisor (MCl) and the maxillary first premolar (MPl) can serve as indicators to estimate dental caries risk.

Material and Methods: A total of 140 healthy dentistry students aged 18-25 years participated in this cross-sectional study. The MCl and MPl were polished with a polishing brush for 20 seconds. After polishing, in room light, L.*, b*, chroma, and hue values were measured from three different regions of the teeth with the VITA Easyshade spectrophotometer device. After color evaluation, dental caries burden was determined according to the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. A questionnaire addressing demographic features, dietary habits, and smoking habits was also administered. Spearman's correlation tests and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted.

Result No significant correlation was found between DMFT scores and L* values. The DMFT index was positively correlated with the a*, b*, and chroma of the MCl but was negatively correlated with hue. in terms of the MPl, no significant correlation was detected between DMFT and color parameters. Smoking and tooth-brushing had significant effects on MCl b* and chroma and on MCI a*, b*, and chroma, respectively. No significant effect of confounding factors was observed on MPl L*, a*, b*, chroma, or hue.

Discussion: This study concludes that dental caries risk may be predicted with color values of the MC1. However, the same does not apply for the MPl. The ability to predict dental caries by evaluating the color of the MC1 shows the potential for color to be used as a part of caries risk assessment.