Herpes Simplex Infection as a Risk Factor for Dental Caries Progression

Aim. To determine the individual risk of caries debut and specific features of the primary caries in patients infected with herpes simplex virus. Methods. 51 patients with primary caries (112 teeth), ICD-10 diagnosis K02.0 (Caries limited to enamel) aged 18 to 49 (female - 42) were examined, all patients were divided into two groups: patients infected with herpes simplex virus and with clinical symptoms of herpes simplex infection (main group, 33 patients), patients infected with herpes simplex virus and without any clinical symptoms of herpes simplex infection (comparison group, 18 patients). Clinical, biochemical, immunological, laser (laser fluorescence spectroscopy) diagnostic techniques were applied. Results. High titers of blood immunoglobulin G to herpes simplex virus were found in 98% of patients examined with initial caries (K02.0). The medium risk was defined in 45% of patients of the main group and in 44% of the comparison group. The navy blue indicator color was the sign of the high risk in 49% in the control group and in 50% of the comparison group. Among the patients with high risk of caries debut the mean local enamel demineralization value according to DIAGNOdent pen was 11.5±1.6 (main group) versus 7.2±1.2 (comparison group). Conclusions. The risk of further caries progression in patients with clinical manifestations of herpes simplex infection is higher compared to patients with persistent infection without signs of active virus reproduction. Biochemical rapid test Clinpro Cario L-Pop (3M ESPE) helps to obtain objective data on oral microflora activity. The use of KaVo «DIAGNOdent pen» device is necessary for the further monitoring of caries progression.