A comparison of the relative acidogenic potential of infant milk and soya infant formula: a plaque pH study

Soya infant formulas contain glucose syrups instead of lactose, which has led to concern that they are potentially more cariogenic than standard infant milk formulas, which contain lactose. However, the cariogenic potential of soya infant formulas has not been tested. The aim of this study was, therefore, to compare the effect of a soya infant formula and an infant milk on the pH of dental plaque. The study group consisted of 19 adults in whom plaque pH was measured before, and 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23 and 27 minutes after, rinsing the mouth with each of the formulas. pH curves were compiled and acidogenicity expressed as 'pH area', minimum pH reached, and maximum pH decrease. No statistically significant differences were observed between the acidogenicity of the soya infant formula and the infant milk.