De-/re-mineralization in deciduous teeth assessed by color value analysis of digital photographs: an in vivo study
Zhao, S.-m.; Wang, J.
Shanghai Kou Qiang Yi Xue 20(5): 527-530
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 1006-7248 PMID: 22109373 Document Number: 653333
The aim of this in vivo study was to detect the different ability of deciduous teeth in absorbing stain after de- or re-mineralization by color value analysis of digital photographs. Fifty-eight children aging from 3.5 to 4.5 years old were recruited in this study. After clinical examination, the labial surface of an incisor was stained with 2% aqueous methylene blue and digitally photographed. Then an area of the deciduous tooth was etched with 37% phosphoric acid gel for 1 min. Immediately after etching, this de-mineralized area was stained and digitally photographed with the same procedures as above. Twenty-four hours and one week later, the re-mineralized area was stained and photographed again respectively. Color values (R,G,B) of the digital photos were analyzed using image analysis software photoshop CS4. The changes of the color values was evaluated. All data were analyzed using one way ANOVA by SPSS 19.0 software package. Just after etching and 24 hours later, the values of R,G,B were significantly different from the baseline (P<0.05). One week later, only B value was significantly different form the baseline. The difference of the color values between the time point just after etching and 24 hours later was not significant(P<0.05). While the difference of R,G,B between the time points just after etching and 1 week later was significant(P<0.05). The results suggest that deciduous de- or re-mineralization may be assessed by color value analysis of digital photographs.