Evaluation of blue and red two-tone colored staining solution for dental plaque imaging using an intraoral scanner.

Background: We first reported that intraoral imaging with a color-imaging intraoral scanner could evaluate stained plaques and contribute to oral hygiene instructions. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of red and blue staining on dental hygiene assessment with an intraoral scanner using plaque control record values and plaque-stained areas.

Material and methods: Fifteen patients (six males and nine females, aged 25-85 years) were included in this study. The patients' teeth were stained with a two-tone (blue and red) dental plaque staining solution, and images of their teeth were recorded with an intraoral scanner and a digital camera. The plaque control record was measured by direct viewing, as usual, and on a monitor using intraoral scanner image. In addition, the plaque deposition area was measured using images obtained using an intraoral scanner and images taken by a digital camera.

Results: Most parts were stained red and blue dental plaque staining was also observed. Plaque control record values tended to be higher in the intraoral scanner evaluation than in the direct evaluation. The plaque-stained area was larger in intraoral scanner images than in camera images.

Conclusions: It is possible to use a two-tone plaque-staining solution for oral health evaluation using an intraoral scanner. In the future, we need to investigate cases of blue-stained plaques. Key words:Intraoral scanner, oral hygiene, dental plaque, preventive dentistry.