ABSTRACT
To determine the prevalence of self-reported tooth discoloration amongst the study sample, to assess the relationship between tooth discoloration and selected risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted between March-July, 2014 including 200 students studying in Gulf Medical University, Ajman. A stratified random sampling method was used to recruit the participants. A self-administered questionnaire was used as a tool, tooth discoloration [irrespective of being internal or external] was self-reported. Data was analyzed by SPSS vesion20. Association between tooth discoloration and independent factors were tested by X[2] test with a significance level of 0.05. The frequency of tooth discoloration amongst the participants was 43.5%. Higher frequencies of tooth discoloration was found in age group 20-24 years [49.6%, p value= 0.054] and was found more in BPT students [75%, p value= 0.001], Smokers were more effected when compared to nonsmokers [62.7% vs 35.5%, p value= 0.001]. Frequency of coffee consumption was also found to have an association with discoloration, as 60% of students who drank coffee more than twice a day reported tooth discoloration. Self-satisfaction displayed a divide in opinion amongst participants with discoloration, with only 48.3% of the 87 students professing dissatisfaction with the current esthetic appearance of their teeth. Finally, it was found that out of the entire sample only 33 students [37.9%] had previously sought for cosmetic improvements of their smile by undergoing tooth bleaching. Tooth discoloration is common among college student with a prevalence of 43.5%. Significant associations were noticed between tooth discoloration and smoking, academic program. Only 33 students [37.9%] had previously sought for cosmetic improvements of their smile by undergoing tooth bleaching