Cariogenic Potential of Infant Formulas-An Study.

To compare the in vitro cariogenic potential of two infant formulas (IF, for ages 6-12 months) processed with sterile distilled water with or without 1 ppm fluoride. Nine specimens in each water type were inoculated with Streptococcus mutans (SM) suspension. The specimens were then divided into one group of samples cultured immediately on Mitis salivarius (MS) agar plates (T) and another group of specimens cultured on MS agar plates after incubation at 37°C for 4 hours in anaerobic conditions (T). Six-fold dilutions of each sample were incubated for 48 hours, and colony-forming units (CFUs) of SM were numerated. The pH changes associated with bacterial fermentation of each of the suspensions were measured at T and at T following incubation. The pH was lower at T than at T in both IF. The SM colonies increased significantly at T compared to T in both IF (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the CFUs of the mediums at T and T or relation between SM colonies of IF based on fluoridated and non-fluoridated distilled water. The cariogenic potential was not significantly different between two IF prepared with fluoridated or non-fluoridated distilled water.