Effects of plaque disclosing agents on esthetic restorative materials used in pediatric dentistry

The aim of study was to evaluate the color stability of tooth-colored restorative materials usually used in pediatric dentistry after the application of two plaque disclosing agents. Twenty specimens of each material: a resin-modified glass ionomer, a composite resin and an ion-releasing composite resin, were prepared. Baseline color evaluation was performed, samples were exposed to the plaque disclosing agents: a basic fuchsin solution and a fluorescent dye, and new color evaluations were made. The resin-modified glass ionomer stained with basic fuchsin presented the greatest color change in the present study, and the fluorescent dye did not show statistically significant changes among the restorative materials. In conclusion, basic fuchsin dyes should be carefully used in children with a great number of tooth-colored restorations.