Use of optical fluorescence for the diagnosis of dental biofilm in young permanent molars - A case series.

Abstract

Fluorescence appears clearly in oral biofilm in red tones, showing the presence of microorganisms in regions where there is biofilm accumulation. This study aims to evaluate the applicability and effectiveness of the diagnosis of oral biofilm with the optical fluorescence technique using the EVINCE (Evidenciador Clínico - MMOptics, São Carlos, SP, Brazil) equipment. Furthermore, to compare the efficacy of the optical fluorescence diagnostic method with the traditional method of clinical disclosure of Fuchsin-based dye biofilm and to observe their combined use. Sixteen children, aged between 7 and 12, were included in this case series, following the Oral Hygiene Index - Simplificated (OHI-S) evaluation. They were evaluated by 3 different professionals. The 1 st evaluator checked the OHI-S observing only with EVINCE. In the second stage, a 2nd evaluator performed the traditional disclosure technique with Fucsina, and finally a 3rd evaluator who observed with EVINCE the teeth previously stained in stage 2, combining the two methods. Descriptive analysis of the variables was performed and comparative tests of repeated measures to evaluate differences between the results of the three evaluation methodologies. There is no significant difference between the observation made only with EVINCE and with the traditional methodology of plaque disclosure. However, there is a difference when the two techniques are used in the third evaluation moment, showing that the combination could provide better results. The association of both the conventional method and the use of EVINCE showed a very satisfactory result for the diagnosis of the presence of biofilm.