Abstract
Summary
Previous studies on experimental rat caries suggested the possibility of a relation between heat-processed cereal foods and dental caries etiology. Continuing this type of study, the cariogenic role of heat-processed skim milk powders, has been investigated. Diets containing 35% of commercial skim milk powders prepared by the usual spray and roller processing and also given a subsequent heat-treatment prior to feeding, have been identified with the production of a specific type of surface caries in white rats. The extent and severity of the caries was significantly and consistently increased by heat-treatment of these commercial skim milk powders. The results suggest that a cariogenic effect may be produced by heat-treatment of dry skim milk powders. According to present evidence this cariogenic effect has not been identified with the nutritive growth failures usually associated with heat or storage deterioration of milk proteins.
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