Increased Dental Caries Activity in the Syrian Hamster Following Desalivation. ∗

Abstract

Summary and Conclusions

1. Seven hamsters () were desalivated and compared with a control group () and a supplementary control group (). It has been found that the animal can be desalivated easily and that it will usually survive operations

2. Under the experimental conditions, extirpation of the glands resulted in a sharp reduction in body weight. Subsequently, body weight remained below that of the control groups

3. Dental caries activity following operation was increased in both male and female hamsters although the difference was not shown to be statistically significant in the case of male animals. It is probable that a comparable response does occur in males but that a larger group of animals would be necessary for an unequivocal demonstration. Response following desalivation was similar to that reported previously for albino rats and humans.

4. Unoperated male animals experienced more dental decay than did unoperated female animals.