OBJECTIVETo 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.

METHODS96 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.

RESULTSPearson 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).

CONCLUSIONRed 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.

Dental Caries ; Dental Enamel ; Fluorescence ; Humans ; Light

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the capability of quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) for monitoring the remineralization of lesions lengthways and distinguishing the effect of different fluorides.

METHODSFollowing baseline early caries examination, 305 school students (age from 11 to 14 years old)were qualified from Chengdu area. The schools in which the subjects studied were randomized into three groups: NaF group, MFP group and nonfluoride group. The subjects of three groups brushed the teeth with 1450 mg/L sodium fluoride dentifrice, 1450 mg/L sodium monofluorophosphate dentifrice and non-fluoride dentifrice, respectively. QLF images of early lesions on smooth surfaces of the maxillary anterior teeth were taken at baseline, three and six months after the initiation of experiment. These images were analyzed by the trained examiner with the area of lesion (Area), fluorescence loss (deltaF) and gross fluorescence loss quantity (deltaQ).

RESULTS296 school students completed the study. After three months, the lesions on smooth surfaces got better in all three groups. The change of Area, deltaF and lg deltaQ amongst three groups had no statistical significance (P>0.05). After six months, the lesions on smooth surfaces also got better in all three groups than at baseline. The change of Area, deltaF and lg deltaQ of the lesions in NaF group and MFP group exhibited significant decreases than that of no-fluoride dentifrice group (P<0.05). But no significantly difference was found between NaF group and MFP group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONAs a diagnostic method which could quantify the miner content, QLF system has the capability of monitoring the variations of lesions lengthways.

Dentifrices ; Female ; Fluorescence ; Fluorides ; Humans ; Light ; Male ; Phosphates ; Sodium Fluoride