Comparative evaluation of the effects of four types of iron supplements on primary teeth discoloration: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND

Iron supplements can cause discoloration in children's teeth, which can impact their confidence and social interactions. This staining may discourage parents from continuing treatment. The study compared different types of iron supplements-encapsulated (liposomal, sucrosomial) and non-encapsulated (ferrous sulfate, iron polysaccharide complex)-to assess their impact on tooth discoloration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this in vitro study, a total of 65 intact anterior primary teeth were examined. Their initial color was assessed using an X-RITE spectrophotometer in the CIELab system. The control group was treated with normal saline, while experimental groups were exposed to iron supplements: Liposofer, Amivital Ferrous Sulphate, SiderAl, and Feramax. The teeth were immersed in these solutions for two weeks before final color measurements. SPSS software version 27 was used for statistical analysis, including paired t-tests, one-way ANOVA, LSD multiple comparison tests, Tamhane's T2 test, and the Shapiro-Wilk test. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

The mean ∆E parameter (color assessment) of primary teeth was significantly higher in the groups treated with Amivital Ferrous Sulphate and SiderAl iron supplements compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Among the iron supplements, Liposofer and Feramax showed the lowest mean ∆E parameter for primary teeth (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The type of iron supplement may play a key role in primary tooth discoloration. These findings suggest that polysaccharide and liposomal iron supplements may cause less discoloration in vitro, though further clinical research is needed to confirm these findings.