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

Abstract

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.