Results of a Three-Year Study of the Effectiveness of Carbohydrate Restriction in Reducing Salivary Lactobacillus Counts

Abstract

Saliva specimens from 559 individuals were examined in the Ohio State University Caries Control Laboratory over a period of 3 yrs. for evidence of dental caries activity as indicated by counts of oral lactobacilli. 137 individuals were found to be caries inactive; 422 were caries active. Of the caries active, 216 had successfully reduced the salivary lactobacillus count in 2 wks. by drastic restriction of carbohydrates in the diet. Of these, 138 had completed the 7-wk. course of dietary treatment, 95 finishing with low lactobacillus counts. Twenty-four of the 95 had been examined 6 mos. later, and 21 had retained low counts. Eight of the 21 had been examined after 1 yr. following treatment, and 7 had retained low counts.