Human Type Caries Distribution in Osborne-Mendel Rats Kept on Heated Skim Milk Powder Diet.

Abstract

Dental caries were produced in the Osborne-Mendel strain (NMRI colony) of white rats on a skim milk powder diet devoid of coarse particles. Human caries distribution was approximated inasmuch as occlusal and surface lesions were obtained in the same teeth. The experimental data suggested that the etiologic process causing the surface type of carious lesion is independent of that causing the occlusal type. The favorable weight gain and the decreased time on experimental diet further indicated the nutritional adaptability and value of the NMRI colony of white rat for the study of dental caries.