Methods: 24 soft PRCLs requiring restoration from teeth were used since these are the severest type of lesions found in humans. After plaque removal and drying, a sample of PRCL was taken using a sterile excavator from half of the most active part of lesion. After this collection process, O3 was applied to the lesion for 20 s (equivalent to a delivery of 8.96 mmol. of this oxidant) and another sample was taken from the other half of the most active part of the lesion. Each sample was then accurately weighed on a microbalance and perchloric acid extracts derived therefrom were subjected to 1H-NMR analysis at an operating frequency of 600 MHz.

Results: Results obtained revealed that O3 gave rise to the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate (generating acetate and CO2 as products), and its oxidative attack of carbohydrates to generated formate. O3 also oxidised PRCL lactate, urate, glycosaminoglycans and methionine to yield acetate and CO2 (via pyruvate), allantoin, low-molecular-mass saccharide fragments and methionine sulphoxide, respectively.

Conclusions: Multicomponent analysis of root caries by high field 1H-NMR spectroscopy provides useful information regarding the oxidation of PRCL biomolecules by O3. For example, pyruvate is an extremely strong acid and its consumption by O3 may offer protection against tooth demineralisation. Moreover, oxidation of the volatile sulphur compound precursor methionine to its corresponding sulphoxide may serve as a useful means of blocking the development of oral malodour. [1] CurOzone U.S.A. and KaVo Germany

Topic: Geriatric Oral Research

Keywords: Gerontology, Cariology, Chemistry, Diagnosis, Therapeutics

First Author

Presenting
Martin Grootveld, BSc, PHD,Health Services Research,Queen's University of Belfast
Dental School