Nature of Diet in Its Relationship to Control of Dental Caries

Abstract

Previously it has been reported that dental caries may be arrested within 8 to 10 weeks through the regular ingestion of a diet high in protective foods, including a teaspoonful of cod liver oil daily. 1 This report correlates the response of the teeth with the level of intake of certain dietary constituents.

Five orphanage children between the ages of 3 and 6 years were observed in the metabolism ward for 7 months under varied intakes of vitamin D; concomitant dental examinations and balance studies were made at frequent intervals. Two had active caries of noteworthy extent and activity; one had 20, the other 6 cavities. A third child had one small proximal cavity. The remaining 2 children were free from demonstrable tooth decay. Activity of caries was determined on the basis of the permeability of the exposed dentin to the exploring tine; if at all permeable, the decay was considered active.

Throughout the studies the food intake was quantitatively controlled. During the fall months especially the children received considerable sunshine out of doors. Several dietary regimens were used progressively, each for a period of from 5 to 8 weeks.

Diet No. 1 was an approximation of that employed at the orphanage. It provided 800 gm. whole milk daily, with fair amounts of vegetables, fruits, meat and butter. The second diet was that employed in the Children's Hospital; it provided 1000 gm. of milk, and was higher in vegetables and fruits than the orphanage allowance. The third diet was similar to the second, except that 450 cc. of irradiated evaporated milk, suitably diluted (155 units of vitamin D), was substituted for the fresh whole milk. In the fourth period the second diet was supplemented with a teaspoonful of cod liver oil daily.