Remineralization Therapy and Monitoring in Early Caries

There are so many evidences to support the efficacy of remineralization therapy on early caries by using fluoride products. Early caries and white spots (WS) caused by acid are identical to each other. These remineralized WS lesions showed higher acid resistance in vivo than adjacent sound enamel. Objectives:To make the new WS lesions more acid resistant in the clinic, bi-carbonate containing toothpaste followed by fluoride toothpaste have been using for the purpose of improving the acid condition inside the lesions. Subsequently as a part of health guidance, whether WS lesions are showing progression, arrest and regression or not have to be evaluated within a recall system. Methods:The gray values (color level between black and white) of WS lesions were analyzed using digital camera (Nikon D1, Tokyo, Japan) with the color chart (CasMatch- Color and size matching sticker, Bear Medic, Tokyo, Japan). Light is supplied by a ring flash mounted around 120 mm lens (F4; Medical Nikkor, Tokyo, Japan). Results:It was demonstrated that the usefulness of digital camera and image analysis methods for monitoring in WS lesions within 6 months. Conclusion:This image analysis system showed a possibility of evaluating three reactions in WS lesions.