Chromogen (tooth chromogen) (null)

Tooth chromogens are molecules capable of absorbing and reflecting light in the visible spectrum, imparting color to teeth when deposited externally. These molecules originate either from dietary sources, tobacco, oral bacteria (especially chromogenic bacteria such as Actinomyces, Prevotella, Serratia marcescens, Flavobacterium lutescens), or other environmental factors. Chromogens themselves are colorless compounds that, upon chemical modification (oxidation, reduction, or interaction with iron or sulfur), become colored and adhere to the tooth enamel or acquired pellicle, causing extrinsic tooth discoloration[6][8][7][5][2][4]. Chromogenic staining is especially seen as black, brown, orange, or green discoloration and often resists home brushing, requiring professional cleaning for removal[1][5][6]. Chromogenic staining does not directly impact disease progression or physiology, but represents an aesthetic concern and sometimes coincides with reduced caries risk due to particular oral microflora[6][5][1].

Other names

tooth chromogenchromogenic moleculechromogenic compoundchromogenic bacteria (sometimes misused as a synonym)

Physical removal (abrasion or cleaning), chemical degradation (bleaching by peroxide derivatives)