Evaluation of plaque pH changes following oral rinse with eight infant formulas
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Insights
Infant formulas can lower plaque pH, potentially contributing to baby bottle tooth decay (nursing caries). Soy-based formulas like Isomil showed a more significant pH reduction than ProSobee, indicating varying acidogenic potential.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Dental Public Health
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Inappropriate feeding habits are linked to baby bottle tooth decay (nursing caries).
- Infant formulas are a common part of infant nutrition.
- Understanding the cariogenic potential of infant formulas is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plaque pH changes after rinsing with different infant formulas.
- To compare the acidogenic potential of various infant formula types.
Main Methods:
- An in vivo/in vitro combination technique was employed.
- Plaque pH was measured after rinsing with eight different infant formulas.
- Formulas included iron-fortified, low-iron, soy-based, and protein hydrolysate types.
Main Results:
- All tested infant formulas significantly reduced plaque pH below pre-rinse levels.
- Soy-based formulas exhibited varying effects; Isomil caused a greater pH reduction than ProSobee.
- No significant differences in minimum plaque pH were observed between manufacturers for other formula types.
Conclusions:
- Infant formulas demonstrate acidogenic properties, potentially contributing to nursing caries.
- The type of infant formula, particularly soy-based ones, may influence cariogenic risk.
- Further research into infant formula composition and dental health is warranted.
Abstract:
Inappropriate feeding habits have been identified as major factors associated with the development of baby bottle tooth decay or nursing caries. An in vivo/in vitro combination technique was developed to investigated the plaque pH changes associated with rinsing with eight different infant formulas. These eight formulas represented four categories: 1) formulas with iron, 2) formulas with low iron, 3) soy formulas 4) and protein hydrolyzate formulas (from the manufacturers Mead Johnson Nutritionals and Ross Laboratories). All formulas had the ability to reduce the pH significantly below the pre-rinse plaque pH. Furthermore, the average minimum pH for formulas from the two manufacturers did not differ within each formula category except for the soy-based formulas, where, rinsing with Isomil produced a significantly lower plaque pH than ProSobee. These results suggest that infant formulas are acidogenic and therefore may play a significant role in the development of baby bottle tooth decay.
