Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and dental plaque: a systematic review of the literature.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature on the efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDTa) on cariogenic dental biofilm.


METHODS
Studies in vivo, in vitro, and in situ were included. Articles that did not address PDTa, those that did not involve cariogenic biofilm, those that used microorganisms in the plankton phase, and reviews were excluded. Data extraction and quality assessments were performed independently by two raters using a scale.


RESULTS
Two hundred forty articles were retrieved; only seventeen of them met the eligibility criteria and were analyzed in the present review. Considerable variability was found regarding the methodologies and application protocols for antimicrobial PDTa. Two articles reported unfavorable results.


CONCLUSIONS
The present systematic review does not allow drawing any concrete conclusions regarding the efficacy of antimicrobial PDTa, although this method seems to be a promising option.
Department of Pediatric Clinics, Preventive and Community Dentistry, Dental School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
G C
GC
Santin
Department of Pediatric Clinics, Preventive and Community Dentistry, Dental School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
D S B
DS
Oliveira
Department of Prosthesis and Dental Materials, Dental School of Araraquara, São Paulo State University, Araraquara, SP, Brazil.
R
R
Galo
Department of Pediatric Clinics, Preventive and Community Dentistry, Dental School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
M C
MC
Borsatto
Department of Restorative Dentistry, Dental School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida do Café, s/n, Monte Alegre, 14040-904 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
S A M
SA
Corona
D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D008751:Methylene Blue / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D014048:Tolonium Chloride / Q000627:therapeutic use
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D014048:Tolonium Chloride; D008751:Methylene Blue