Impact of demographic, behavioral, and dental care utilization parameters on tooth color and personal satisfaction

A cross-sectional survey across broad age ranges was conducted to evaluate demographic, behavioral, and treatment parameters that impact tooth color and its perception. The sample included 180 US adults and teenagers, with a comparable representation of males and females in 6 different age strata, r...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCompendium of continuing education in dentistry. (Jamesburg, N.J. : 1995). Supplement no. 29; p. S35
Main Authors Odioso, L L, Gibb, R D, Gerlach, R W
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 2000
Subjects
Adolescent
Adult
Age Factors
Coffee - adverse effects
Color
Cross-Sectional Studies
Dental Care - utilization
Ethnic Groups
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Patient Satisfaction
Regression Analysis
Self Concept
Sex Factors
Smoking - adverse effects
Surveys and Questionnaires
Tea - adverse effects
Tooth Discoloration - etiology
Tooth Discoloration - psychology
Toothbrushing - utilization
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Summary:A cross-sectional survey across broad age ranges was conducted to evaluate demographic, behavioral, and treatment parameters that impact tooth color and its perception. The sample included 180 US adults and teenagers, with a comparable representation of males and females in 6 different age strata, ranging from 13 to 64 years. Tooth color (L*a*b*) was measured on the maxillary central incisors using a spectrophotometer, and first-person satisfaction with tooth color was assessed using a five-point qualitative scale. Demographic, behavioral, and oral care parameters were modeled using multiple regression analysis. After adjusting for other explanatory variables, age, gender, coffee/tea consumption, and dental care all significantly affected yellowing (b*) and brightness (L*). Dental-visit frequency was the only factor that significantly predicted self-satisfaction with tooth color, explaining just 3% of the overall variability. First-person dissatisfaction with tooth color was common and found in most demographic and behavioral cohorts. Although age contributed to objectively measured tooth discoloration, personal satisfaction with tooth color was age-independent. These results suggest that the need or demand for esthetic dentistry may be broad-based and transcend stereotypical perceptions.