title: Laser fluorescence in monitoring the influence of targeted tooth brushing on remineralization of initial caries lesions on newly erupted molar teeth - RCT.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to monitor mineralization changes in initial caries lesions on newly erupted second molars using laser fluorescence (LF) scanning after a 1-month targeted tooth brushing intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Altogether, 124 13- to 14-year-old school children were invited to participate. Of those who fulfilled the clinical criteria (at least one initial lesion with LF value >10 in second molars), 51 gave their written consent to participate. Laser fluorescence values were registered at baseline and after 1-month follow-up period. All participants were individually taught targeted tooth brushing of their second molars and randomly provided tooth paste with 0 or 1500 ppm fluoride. Brushing frequency was investigated at baseline and after the follow-up. Change in LF values was compared considering the tooth, content of fluoride in the paste and brushing frequency.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In lesions with LF values ≤30 at baseline, change in LF values demonstrated improvement. Improvement was detected especially in upper molars. In lesions with LF values >30 at baseline, improvement was least detected. Brushing frequency increased slightly during the intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laser fluorescence is a simple method and useful in monitoring remineralization of incipient lesions even in weeks. Targeted tooth brushing seems to induce remineralization even in weeks. Laser fluorescence could be a valuable motivating tool in promoting patients' self-care.
authors.affiliation: Research Unit of Oral Health Sciences, Department of Pedodontics, Cariology and Endodontology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
authors.forename: M-L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Laitala
authors.affiliation: Research Unit of Oral Health Sciences, Department of Pedodontics, Cariology and Endodontology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jaanti
authors.affiliation: Research Unit of Oral Health Sciences, Department of Pedodontics, Cariology and Endodontology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Vähänikkilä
authors.affiliation: Research Unit of Oral Health Sciences, Department of Pedodontics, Cariology and Endodontology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Määttä
authors.affiliation: Oulu University of Applied Sciences, Oulu, Finland.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Heikka
authors.affiliation: Research Unit of Oral Health Sciences, Department of Community Dentistry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hausen
authors.affiliation: Research Unit of Oral Health Sciences, Department of Pedodontics, Cariology and Endodontology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.|Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Anttonen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003732:Dental Caries Activity Tests; D019229:Dentition, Permanent; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D005453:Fluorescence; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D008963:Molar / Q000473:pathology*; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014099:Toothbrushing
chemical_list: D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D005460:Fluorides, Topical
keywords: caries; laser fluorescence; remineralization; tooth brushing