title: Is the red fluorescence of dental plaque related to its cariogenicity?
abstract: It has been speculated that the red fluorescence emitted by dental plaque could be related to its cariogenicity. To test this hypothesis, we designed this crossover in situ study, with two experimental phases of 14 days each. Seventeen volunteers, wearing a palatal appliance with bovine enamel blocks, were instructed to drip a 20% sucrose solution (experimental group) or purified water (control group) onto the enamel blocks eight times daily. The specimens were removed after 4, 7, 10, and 14 days, and the red fluorescence of dental plaque formed on the enamel blocks was assessed using a quantitative light-induced fluorescence device. After the plaque removal, surface and cross-sectional microhardness tests were performed to assess the mineral loss. The comparisons were made by a multilevel linear regression analysis. We observed a significant increase in the red fluorescence of the dental plaque after longer periods of formation, but this trend was verified in both groups. The mineral loss assessed by the microhardness techniques, contrariwise, showed a significant increase only in the experimental group. In conclusion, the red fluorescence emitted by the dental plaque indicates a mature biofilm, but this fact is not necessarily associated with its cariogenicity.
authors: University of Sao Paulo, School of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Av Lineu Prestes, 2227, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
authors: Daniela G
authors: DG
authors: Bittar
authors: University of Sao Paulo, School of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Av Lineu Prestes, 2227, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
authors: Laura Regina A
authors: LR
authors: Pontes
authors: University of Sao Paulo, School of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Av Lineu Prestes, 2227, Sao Paulo 05508-000, BrazilcUniversity of Campinas, Piracicaba Dental School, Av Limeira, 901, Piracicaba 13414-903, Brazil.
authors: Ana Flávia B
authors: AF
authors: Calvo
authors: University of Sao Paulo, School of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Av Lineu Prestes, 2227, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
authors: Tatiane F
authors: TF
authors: Novaes
authors: University of Sao Paulo, School of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Av Lineu Prestes, 2227, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
authors: Mariana M
authors: MM
authors: Braga
authors: University of Sao Paulo, School of Dentistry, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Av Lineu Prestes, 2227, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
authors: Patrícia M
authors: PM
authors: Freitas
authors: University of Campinas, Piracicaba Dental School, Av Limeira, 901, Piracicaba 13414-903, Brazil.
authors: Cinthia P M
authors: CP
authors: Tabchoury
authors: University of Sao Paulo, School of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Av Lineu Prestes, 2227, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
authors: Fausto M
authors: FM
authors: Mendes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D003116:Color; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology*; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000473:pathology*; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005453:Fluorescence; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D013395:Sucrose / Q000737:chemistry; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D013395:Sucrose