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Cariogenicity of Milchschnitte (Ferrero GmbH) and apple in program-fed rats
Abstract:
The cariogenicity of Ferrero Milchschnitte and apple was tested in rats using a frequency-controlled feeding machine. Twelve litters of Osborne-Mendel rats orally infected with Streptococcus sobrinus OMZ-176 and Actinomyces viscosus Ny-1 were used. Four treatment groups were tested: (1) cooked starch/sucrose 1:1 as positive control; (2) Ferrero Milchschnitte; (3) apple; (4) gastric intubation only as negative control. Groups 1-3 were additionally fed by gastric intubation with essential nutrients. Rats on Milchschnitte and apple had less fissure and smooth-surface caries than rats on a starch/sucrose diet, but significantly more than the negative controls. The Milchschnitte group exhibited less plaque extent than the positive and the negative control. The apple group showed a higher plaque extent and massively extended erosions on molar surfaces. The CFU means of S. sobrinus were decreasing from treatment 1-4. Although differences between treatments were not significant, they were associated by concomitantly decreasing caries incidence. The test foods were also assessed using intraoral plaque-pH telemetry in 6 human volunteers. Both Milchschnitte and apple were acidogenic in human telemetry. They can therefore not be regarded as safe for teeth.
Insights
Ferrero Milchschnitte and apple consumption by rats resulted in less tooth decay than a high-sugar diet but more than no intervention. Both foods were found to be acidogenic in humans, indicating potential dental risks.
Area of Science:
- Dental research
- Microbiology
- Nutrition science
Background:
- Dental caries is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the cariogenic potential of common food items is crucial for preventive dentistry.
- Ferrero Milchschnitte and apples are frequently consumed snack foods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cariogenicity of Ferrero Milchschnitte and apple in a rat model.
- To assess the impact of these foods on dental plaque formation and bacterial colonization.
- To determine the acidogenic potential of Ferrero Milchschnitte and apple in humans using intraoral plaque-pH telemetry.
Main Methods:
- Rats infected with Streptococcus sobrinus and Actinomyces viscosus were fed diets including Ferrero Milchschnitte, apple, or a starch/sucrose control.
- Caries incidence, plaque extent, and bacterial colony-forming units (CFU) were measured.
- Intraoral plaque-pH telemetry was used to assess acidogenicity in human volunteers.
Main Results:
- Rats fed Milchschnitte and apple showed reduced fissure and smooth-surface caries compared to the positive control but higher than the negative control.
- The Milchschnitte group had less plaque than controls; the apple group had increased plaque and significant molar erosions.
- S. sobrinus CFU decreased across treatments, correlating with reduced caries incidence.
- Both Milchschnitte and apple were demonstrated to be acidogenic in human plaque-pH telemetry tests.
Conclusions:
- Ferrero Milchschnitte and apple exhibit cariogenic potential, though less than a high-sugar diet.
- Apple consumption was associated with significant dental erosion.
- Both foods are acidogenic and cannot be considered safe for dental health.