Prevalence of black stain in 3 to 14 years children in Bengaluru city and its correlation with dental caries: A cross sectional study

• Author Details:   
• Sapna Konde
• Sudha P ^*

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Background: Black stain (BS) is a distinct extrinsic discolouration commonly seen in children, characterised by dark lines or dots near the gingival margin. Most studies have assessed BS in isolated dentitions.

Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 5019 children across four zones of Bangalore. Oral examinations assessed black stains and caries using Lobene and DMFT/deft indices respectively. Salivary samples were analysed for their pH.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of BS in children aged 3–14 years in Bangalore and evaluate its association with dental caries and salivary pH.

Results: Prevalence of black stain was 22.1%, the highest being in primary dentition (25.5%), followed by permanent dentition (21.2%) and mixed dentition (19.8%). An inverse relationship was observed between BS and caries. Children with BS had higher salivary pH, suggesting a less cariogenic oral environment.

Conclusion: This study found a 22.1% prevalence of black extrinsic stains (BS) among 3–14-year-old children in Bengaluru, with the highest occurrence in the primary dentition. Children with BS had significantly lower dental caries experience and higher salivary pH, suggesting a less cariogenic oral environment. These findings support a potential protective role of BS against caries.