The Effect of Phosphate Structure on Dental Caries Development in Rats

Abstract

Five types of Na3 (PO4) compound which differed only in their anion structure (ortho-, pyro-, tripoly-, trimeta- and hexameta) were added at the same P level to a caries- producing diet, and fed to rats for 13 wks. beginning at 8 days old. The reductions in caries development produced by the phosphate supplements were 33, 29, 46, 78 and 51%, In comparison with the control group. All reductions were signifiicantbelow the 1% level. There was an inverse correlation between cariostatic action and buffer capacity of the phosphates and no correlation was found between cariostasis and chelating ability or water solubility.