Application of quantitative light-induced fluorescence to monitor incipient lesions in caries-active children. A comparative study of remineralisation by fluoride varnish and professional cleaning.
The aim of this study was to apply the quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) method in a randomised controlled study, comparing treatment with fluoride varnish and professional tooth cleaning for remineralisation of white spot lesions in caries-active adolescents. In the fluoride varnish group (n = 13; 32 lesions), professional tooth-cleaning was followed by application of fluoride varnish at the beginning of the study, after 1 wk, and then once every 6 wk for 6 months. The other group (n = 18; 30 lesions) underwent professional tooth-cleaning once every 6 wk for 6 months. Enamel fluorescence was measured at baseline and at each visit. In the fluoride varnish group there was a significant change over time (baseline: 6 months) for both lesion area: and average change in fluorescence (decreased lesion area and increased fluorescence radiance). The corresponding changes in the professional tooth-cleaning group were not significant. There was a significant difference in average change in fluorescence between the two test groups. For lesion area, there was no significant difference, but a tendency towards a difference between the test groups. It was concluded that (a) the QLF method is a sensitive method, suitable for longitudinal quantification of incipient caries lesions on smooth surfaces; and (b) that repeated fluoride applications had a favourable effect on the remineralisation of white spot lesions as measured after 6 months.
Tranaeus
S
S
Department of Cariology and Endodontology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden. sofia.tranaeus@ofa.ki.se
Al-Khateeb
S
S
Björkman
S
S
Twetman
S
S
Angmar-Månsson
B
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D003732:Dental Caries Activity Tests / Q000379:methods*; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000737:chemistry; D003777:Dental Prophylaxis; D005453:Fluorescence; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014089:Tooth Remineralization / Q000379:methods*
D005460:Fluorides, Topical