The prevalence of tooth discolouration and the self‐satisfaction with tooth colour in a Chinese urban population

Summary Objectives: To determine the prevalence of tooth discolouration, self‐satisfaction with tooth colour, and correlation with socio‐demographic‐behavioural factors in adults and teenagers in Chengdu, China. Design: A cross‐sectional survey. Participants: 405 Chinese urban adults and teenagers from a multistage random probability sample. Methods: Tooth colour was measured on the maxillary central incisors using a colorimeter. Tooth discolouration was determined according to the discolouration level figure and evaluation criteria. Self‐satisfaction with tooth colour was assessed on a five‐point qualitative scale. Data were coded and analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The mean values for L *, a * and b * were 70·67 (s.d. 1·91), 4·29 (s.d. 2·05) and 17·51 (s.d. 4·13), respectively. Age and sex were the most important factors associated with tooth colour ( P < 0·05). About half of the study population (48·9%) suffered from some tooth discolouration, and 52·6% were dissatisfied with their tooth colour. Education and smoking were significant factors affecting self‐satisfaction with tooth colour ( P < 0·05). Conclusions: Tooth discolouration is common among the Chinese, and many Chinese are dissatisfied with their tooth colour. Self‐satisfaction with tooth colour decreased with increasing severity of discolouration. Further research is needed to determine types of tooth discolouration among broader regions in China.