Application of fluorescence technique in studying dental caries

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the fluorescence properties of sound teeth and teeth with different types of lesions. Using light-emitting diodes operating in the near ultraviolet (UVA) spectral regions for excitation, the obtained fluorescence images and spectra of carious teeth were different from sound teeth spectra due to the presence of bacteria Streptococcus mutans producing metabolites called porphyrins. The sound teeth showed the blue fluorescence with broad emission spectra from 410 nm to 650 nm (maxima at 450 nm, 500 nm and 520 nm), while the carious regions illuminated the red light with three new peaks at 625 nm, 650 nm and 690 nm. The intensity of the red fluorescent signal depends on the density of the bacteria. Based on the red fluorescence emitted by porphyrins, not only the surface lesions but also the caries hiding under the enamel layer can be detected by UVA exciting. These results provide the ability to apply fluorescence technique in the development of an early dental diagnostic tool with a number of advantages such as safety, mobility, low cost and rapid test time.