[Detection and monitoring of enamel early caries in vivo using red fluorescence analysis by quantitative light-induced fluorescence method].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the capability of red fluorescence analysis using quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) methods, comparing with green fluorescence analysis, for detection and monitor of enamel early carious lesions on smooth surfaces.


METHODS
96 students with early enamel carious lesions were required to perform supervised tooth brushing with 0.145% F- dentifrice for six months. QLF images were taken from smooth surfaces of erupted maxillary anterior teeth at baseline and six months later. Both red fluorescence and green fluorescence analysis of carious lesions were carried out. QLF metrics including the areas of lesions (Ar, Aw), average fluorescence (deltaR, deltaF), total fluorescence (R, deltaQ) were exported.


RESULTS
Pearson correlation coefficients between variables of red and green fluorescence were 0.89 (Ar vs Aw), 0.54(deltaR vs deltaF) and 0.72 (lgR vs lgdeltaQ). Significant decreases were exhibited by all the quantitative variables at sixth month compared to those at baseline (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Red fluorescence analysis using QLF system could quantify the mineral content and monitor the recovery of carious lesions. It could be used to evaluate methods for prevention and cure of caries.
Yin
Wei
W
State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Feng
Yan
Y
Hu
De-Yu
DY
Ellwood
Roger P
RP
Pretty
Iain A
IA
D003731:Dental Caries; D003743:Dental Enamel; D005453:Fluorescence; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light