SENSOR DIAGNOSTICS AND HYDROLATS: A NEW APPROACH IN DENTISTRY (EXPERIMENTAL STUDY)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of sensor technology (“electronic nose”) to changes in the oral cavity after exposure to water and laurel hydrolate, as well as to determine their comparative effectiveness. Materials and Methods. The study included 40 volunteers aged 20–25 years with previously sanitized oral cavities. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: control (exposure to 15 ml of water for 1 minute) and experimental (exposure to 15 ml of laurel hydrolate for 1minute). Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were registered using a piezoelectric quartz sensor-based device (LLC “Sensorika”, Voronezh), which measured frequency shift (ΔF) and integral response (ΣS, normalized values). Additionally, the Schiller–Pisarev test (modified for three standard zones) was performed. Results. The results demonstrated that after water exposure, changes in ΔF and ΣS were minimal (−5…8% and −7%, respectively), whereas laurel hydrolate exposure resulted in significantly more pronounced shifts (−20…30% and −28%, respectively; p < 0.05). The data confirmed the consistency between sensor measurements and traditional hygiene indices. Conclusion. The electronic nose objectively records VOC dynamics and demonstrates high sensitivity to clinically relevant changes in the oral mucosa. The use of laurel hydrolate showed a more pronounced effect compared to water, supporting its potential in dental practice. The integration of sensor diagnostics and phytotherapy opens perspectives for a personalized approach to the prevention and management of inflammatory oral diseases.