Tooth discoloration is a frequent dental finding associated with clinical and esthetic problems. It differs in etiology, appearance, composition, location and severity. During routine school dental camps we found that there is black discoloration of tooth in children in a particular area of Moradabad city.

To assess the prevalence and to investigate the reasons for the black stains among school children of Moradabad city.

Three schools present in the municipal ward were selected for the study. All the children studying in the above schools were subjected to Type III investigation to identify the black stains. Out of 780 children 156 students showed black stains. Among them a sample of black stain scraping was taken from 5 students and it was subjected to analysis for trace elements. Trace elements analysis was done by (ICP) Inductively Coupled Photo spectrometry.

Out of 5 scrapings 3 showed presence of ferrous ions of about 2.56%, calcium ions 17.15% and magnesium ions 0.72%, while the remaining 2 samples showed calcium 14.86%, magnesium ions 0.82% and no presence of ferrous ions.

Black extrinsic tooth stains were shown to be a form of dental plaque. The stains examined contained a black insoluble ferric compound.