Disclosing Agents as Photosensitizers in aPDT for Biofilm Control in Children

This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of plaque disclosing agents used as photosensitizers in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) for the control of dental biofilm in children aged 3 to 7 years. Dental biofilm is a major etiological factor for dental caries, especially in pediatric populations, and alternative strategies for its control are relevant in minimally invasive dentistry. A total of 72 children will be randomly allocated into three parallel groups (n = 24 per group): (1) mechanical prophylaxis (control group), (2) aPDT using erythrosine as a photosensitizer, and (3) aPDT using GC TriPlaque ID Gel as a photosensitizer. In the experimental groups, the photosensitizer will be applied to the dental surface followed by blue light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation using a dental curing light. In the control group, only mechanical prophylaxis will be performed using a Robinson brush at low speed with water. Dental biofilm samples will be collected from the cervical vestibular surface of primary molars before and immediately after the intervention. Microbiological analysis will be performed to quantify colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL), allowing the evaluation of antimicrobial effectiveness. Secondary outcomes include clinical feasibility, assessed by the duration of the procedure using a stopwatch, and behavioral acceptance, evaluated using the Frankl Behavior Rating Scale. The study is designed as a single-blind trial, in which the outcomes assessor is blinded to group allocation.