Effect of Undernutrition During the Perinatal Period on Caries Development in the Rat: II. Caries Susceptibility in Underfed Rats Supplemented with Protein or Caloric Additions During the Suckling Period
1973 ◽
Vol 52
(4)
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pp. 680-687
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Keyword(s):
Rat Pups
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The specific role of protein deficiency in altering dental caries incidence in rat pups was investigated. A 10% protein supplement given to undernourished rats during development allowed them to overcome weight deficiencies and reversed dental caries to the low incidence found in well-nourished control rats. Caries in undernourished rats supplemented with an isocaloric, proteinfree solution, was as high as that of undernourished rats intubated with distilled water.