Abstract
This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of an adjuvant chlorhexidine–fluoride varnish (Cervitec F) for prevention and arrest of root caries on elderly participants using quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF). 23 participants with two or three non-cavitated root carious lesions were included and assigned to three groups of different varnishes (CF: Cervitec F, P: placebo, DP: Duraphate). Agents were applied once to root surface at baseline and in follow-up after 3, 6 and 9 months. The lesions were assessed clinically and with QLF. QLF-images were analyzed regarding fluorescence loss (ΔF), lesion volume (ΔQ) and bacterial activity (ΔR) before (t0), after 14 days (t1), 6- (t2) and 12-months (t3). CF showed a significant difference between t0 and t3: ∆F (− 12.51 [15.41] vs. − 7.80 [16.72], p = 0.012), ∆Q (− 2339.97 (20,898.30) vs. − 751.82 (5725.35), p < 0.001), ∆R (23.80 [41.70] vs. 7.07 [37.50], p = 0.006). Independently of the varnish application, preventive care seems positively influence the root caries progress. Although within CF group the strongest effect was observed, no superiority of a specific varnish application was confirmed over a 12-months QLF observation period. Extra topical fluoride can help remineralise dentin lesions and QLF can be used as a measurement method to determine changes in the dentin lesions.
Highlights
Dental health in the world has changed, especially in the group of senior citizens a high prevalence of periodontitis with an increasing number of remaining teeth is observed [1, Kyung-Jin Park and Thomas Meißner contributed as first authors.2]
Due to high periodontal disease burdens, these patients often suffer from exposed root surfaces which are susceptible to root caries, resulting in one-quarter of patients having at least one carious lesion at root surfaces [2]
For patients with limited general condition, root caries is difficult to treat compared to coronal caries [5]
Summary
Dental health in the world has changed, especially in the group of senior citizens a high prevalence of periodontitis with an increasing number of remaining teeth is observed [1, Kyung-Jin Park and Thomas Meißner contributed as first authors.2]. Dental health in the world has changed, especially in the group of senior citizens a high prevalence of periodontitis with an increasing number of remaining teeth is observed [1, Kyung-Jin Park and Thomas Meißner contributed as first authors. Due to high periodontal disease burdens, these patients often suffer from exposed root surfaces which are susceptible to root caries, resulting in one-quarter of patients having at least one carious lesion at root surfaces [2]. In nursing home residences, caries prevalence is high [3]. Reduced salivation (e.g. as a result of medication or dehydration in old age) promotes caries development [4]. Dental care is becoming increasingly difficult with age due to limited motoric skills or handicaps. An extension of the caries maintenance options is desirable, especially in the elderly population
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