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A model for dentinal caries progression by digital subtraction radiography.
J J Maggio1, E M Hausmann, K Allen
1State University of New York, School of Dental Medicine, Buffalo.
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|December 1, 1990
Summary
This study investigated how glucose and sucrose affect tooth decay. Glucose and sucrose promoted demineralization, while saliva alone aided remineralization of carious lesions in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Oral biology
- Dental research
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Dental caries, a prevalent oral disease, involves demineralization and remineralization of tooth structure.
- Understanding the impact of dietary sugars on these processes is crucial for caries prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of glucose and sucrose on the progression of existing carious lesions.
- To compare the cariogenic potential of glucose and sucrose in an artificial saliva environment.
Main Methods:
- Extracted human teeth with caries were incubated in artificial saliva with or without 5% glucose or 5% sucrose at 37°C for 8 weeks.
- Time-lapse radiographs were captured using a fixed orienting device.
- Digital subtraction radiography was employed to analyze changes in lesion radiodensity over time.
Main Results:
- Teeth incubated in artificial saliva alone demonstrated remineralization, indicated by increased radiodensity in lesion depths.
- Teeth exposed to 5% glucose showed significant demineralization, evidenced by increased radiolucency.
- Teeth incubated with 5% sucrose exhibited similar demineralization effects as those exposed to glucose.
Conclusions:
- Dietary sugars like glucose and sucrose can exacerbate demineralization of existing carious lesions in vitro.
- Artificial saliva promotes remineralization, highlighting the protective role of saliva in managing early caries.