Assessment of dental caries lesion activity status using quantitative parameters obtained from the quantitative light-induced fluorescence method and difference of microbial distribution in primary molars

• Published in: Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy 2022-09, Vol.39, p.102942-102942, Article 102942
• Main Authors: Kim, Chi Hoon, Bae, Kisuk, Lee, Tae Yang, Song, Je Seon, Kim, Seong-Oh, Kang, Chung-Min
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Caries activity; Dental caries; Microbial distribution; Primary molars; Quantitative light-induced fluorescence
• ISSN: 1572-1000; 1873-1597
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2022.102942

•Quantitative light-induced fluorescence used to evaluate caries activity in primary molars.•Red fluorescence measures are associated with caries activity.•Microbial factors may be important in predicting the activity of carious lesions.•The levels of Lactobacillus species in carious dentin, and levels of S. sobrinus in saliva are associated with caries lesion activity status. This study aimed to assess differences in quantitative measures obtained from the quantitative light-induced fluorescence method and microbial composition of carious dentin and saliva according to the activity status of caries lesions in primary molars. A total of 34 teeth from 34 children were evaluated in this study. The activity status of carious lesions was classified using the International Caries Classification and Management System criteria (active or inactive). Images of the carious lesions were captured using a quantitative light-induced fluorescence device for quantitative analyses. Carious dentin and saliva were collected to detect and quantify selected bacterial species (S. mutans, S. sobrinus, Lactobacillus species, F. nucleatum, P. nigrescence, P. intermedia) and C. albicans by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Mann–Whitney U tests were performed to evaluate differences in quantitative measures from quantitative light-induced fluorescence, the microbial composition of carious dentin, and saliva according to the activity status of carious lesions. Red fluorescence values (∆R, ∆Rmax) from the quantitative light-induced fluorescence method were significantly higher in active lesions (∆R, p = 0.009; ∆Rmax, p = 0.014). The quantitative mean levels of Lactobacillus species (p = 0.010) in carious dentin and S. sobrinus (p = 0.017) in saliva were significantly higher in the active-lesion group. Quantitative measures related to red fluorescence from the quantitative light-induced fluorescence method, levels of Lactobacillus species from carious dentin, and levels of S. sobrinus from saliva were associated with caries lesion activity.