IN VITRO STUDY OF CARIOGENIC POTENTIAL OF INFANT FORMULAS

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Journal of the Korean Academy of Pediatric Dentistry 2000;27(1):32-39.
Published online February 28, 2000.

IN VITRO STUDY OF CARIOGENIC POTENTIAL OF INFANT FORMULAS

이유식의 우식유발능에 관한 생체외 연구

박득희, 이광희, 김대업

원광대학교 치과대학 소아치과학교실

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the cariogenic potential of five infant formulas in vitro. as compared with 10% sucrose solution and whole bovine milk. Buffering capacities were determined by the amount of 0.1 N lactic acid consumed to titrate the 50ml specimen solutions to pH 4.0. The pH of the specimen solution inoculated by Streptococcus mutans was measured by pH meter and the surface microhardness of primary tooth enamel immersed in the specimen solution was measured by the microhardness tester, before and after 48 hours incubation. Also, the solubility of calcium from synthetic hydroxyapatite was evaluated by atomic absorption spectrophotometer The buffering capacity of infant formulas was higher than that of sucrose solution and lower than that of milk, and there were significant differences among infant formulas(P<0.01). The average pH of infant formulas after 48 hours incubation was lower than that of sucrose solution and milk, and there was significant difference between infant formulas and milk(P<0.05). There were no signifiant differences among oops in the microhardness change of primary tooth enamel and in the amount of dissolved calcium ion from synthetic hydroxyapatite after incubation with Streptococcus mutans. In conclusion, infant formulas seemed to fulfill the basic requirments to cause dental caries in primary teeth, and there were significant differences of cariogenic potential among infant formulas. Cooperative efforts of dentistry and manufacturers to reduce the cariogenic potential of infant formulas would be necessary to prevent the early childhood caries in children.

Key Words: Infant formula, Early childhood caries, Cariogenic potential, Buffering capacity, Acid production, Demineralization