Single-cell gel (comet) assay as a promising tool for the detection of DNA damage induced by compounds used in dental practice: the oral cancer risk assessment.

Taking into consideration genetic damage plays an important role in oral carcinogenesis, the purpose of this article is to provide an overview on the application of single-cell gel (comet) assay as a promising tool for the detection of DNA damage induced by some compounds used in dental practice as far as to assess the oral cancer risk. The single-cell gel (comet) assay is a microgel electrophoresis technique able to detect DNA damage at the level of single cells. In the alkaline version, which is mainly used, DNA single-strand breaks, DNA double-strand breaks, alkali-labile sites, and single-strand breaks containing incomplete excision repair sites cause increased DNA migration. Therefore, this interesting methodology estimates the risk of these substances with respect to genotoxicity, and will be added to those used for regulatory purposes in improving oral health and preventing oral carcinogenesis.