Modification of food cariogenicity in rats by mineral-rich concentrates from milk

Dairy products, including milk, cheese, and casein, can reduce the caries-causing potential of cariogenic substrates as measured in various animal, plaque acidity, and in vitro systems. Although the mechanisms responsible for protection are not completely identified, substances containing Ca and P may contribute to the protective potential by reducing demineralization and/or promoting remineralization of enamel. Casein may reduce demineralization by forming a protective coat on the enamel surface. By means of a rat model, this study evaluated the ability of three casein-free milk mineral concentrates with various levels of whey protein, calcium, and phosphate to modify the cariogenicity of a powdered diet containing 20% sucrose. Analysis of these data indicates that there were no significant differences among groups for weight gain, total food consumption, or feeding frequency, as monitored by a computer-based infrared activity monitor. All three mineral concentrates significantly reduced buccal caries, and two of the three reduced sulcal caries by from 10 to 30%. The analysis further shows that casein-free milk mineral fractions can modify the cariogenicity of sucrose-containing foods in a rat model.