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A new in vivo method for measuring caries activity using quantitative light-induced fluorescence.
C Meller1, C Heyduck, S Tranaeus
1Center of Oral Health, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany. meller@uni-greifswald.de
Caries Research
|March 2, 2006
Summary
Quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) effectively measures enamel demineralization after etching, correlating with caries activity in children. This technique shows promise for early caries detection and assessment.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Dental Diagnostics
Background:
- Dental caries remains a significant public health concern, particularly in pediatric populations.
- Accurate assessment of caries activity is crucial for timely and effective intervention.
- Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence (QLF) offers a non-invasive method for evaluating mineral loss in dental enamel.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between caries prevalence and activity indicators and the properties of etched tooth sites using QLF.
- To determine if QLF measurements of demineralization correlate with established caries indices and clinical parameters.
- To explore the potential of QLF for early assessment of caries activity in children.
Main Methods:
- An in vivo study involving 44 children (mean age 8.23 years) with deciduous teeth.
- Two tooth areas per child were etched with 36% phosphoric acid gel for 1 and 4 minutes.
- Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence (QLF) was used to measure the change in fluorescence (DeltaQ) immediately (DeltaQ1) and 24 hours (DeltaQ2) post-etching.
- Caries prevalence (deft/DMFT), plaque index (API), gingival bleeding (mod. PBI), active lesions, and fluoride use were recorded.
Main Results:
- The deft (decayed, missing, filled teeth) was significantly associated with fluoride salt and gel use.
- Active carious lesions were linked to fluoride gel use and gingival bleeding.
- Both DeltaQ1 and DeltaQ2 showed significant correlations with age-adjusted deft and the number of active carious lesions.
- QLF parameters (DeltaQ) demonstrated significant, albeit weaker, correlations with plaque index, gingival bleeding, and fluoride scores.
Conclusions:
- The degree of enamel demineralization induced by etching, as measured by QLF, is associated with caries activity.
- QLF measurements of etched sites show a strong relationship with key caries activity indicators.
- This QLF-based method holds potential for the early assessment of dental caries activity in pediatric patients.