Assessment of the Effect of Selected Snack Foods on the Remineralization/Demineralization of Enamel and Dentin

Abstract

This study utilized volunteer subjects to examine caries-like lesions for remineralization and demineralization patterns in dentin and enamel when nine different snack foods were eaten between meals. Caries progression was observed in enamel and dentin when apple juice, a cola beverage, and sweetened (strawberry) yogurt were consumed as snacks. Remineralization of enamel was observed when cheddar cheese, skim milk, 2% milk, whole milk, chocolate milk, and orange juice were used as between meal snacks. Dairy products, with the exception of the sweetened yogurt, generally reduced the amount of demineralization produced in dentin. This study helps establish a scientific basis for appropriate between-meal snacks for patients who are concerned about their dietary habits as a part of their overall preventive oral health plan.

In vitro studies of adsorption of milk proteins onto tooth enamel

“…Caries progression has been reported to be markedly different between subjects consuming yoghurt (sweetened, strawberry jam) and those consuming skimmed milk as a snack between meals. In the yoghurt group, caries progression increased, whereas in subjects who consumed skimmed milk, a decrease was observed (Jensen, Donly, & Wefel, 2000). These results may be explained by the observations made in our study; however, future studies are needed to answer this question.…”

100% Fruit Juice and Dental Health: A Systematic Review of the Literature

“…Of the three RCTs which assessed caries or mineralization/demineralization, two (35, 36) assessed orange juice, with one of these also including apple juice (36), while the other study compared a number of fruits, including orange, grapes, and apples consumed as freshly juiced beverages or as whole fruits (37). Although these studies tended to have similar designs (e.g., crossover, duration 10–14 days, dentally fit adults), they varied substantially with respect to analyses.…”

“…Although these studies tended to have similar designs (e.g., crossover, duration 10–14 days, dentally fit adults), they varied substantially with respect to analyses. One study assessed salivary and plaque indices (35), while the other two utilized an in situ approach with intra-oral appliances and reported on aspects of mineralization (36, 37). Overall, there is limited RCT data for fruit juice and caries, and the study designs were quite varied.…”

“…Overall, there is limited RCT data for fruit juice and caries, and the study designs were quite varied. One study suggested orange juice did not lead to pro-cariogenic changes in salivary and plaque parameters (35), and the two studies on mineralization indicated demineralization occurs with fruit juices (36, 37), although one of these reported mixed results for orange juice (36). Two of the studies indicated funding from industry (35, 37), and one did not report a funding source (36).…”

“…One study suggested orange juice did not lead to pro-cariogenic changes in salivary and plaque parameters (35), and the two studies on mineralization indicated demineralization occurs with fruit juices (36, 37), although one of these reported mixed results for orange juice (36). Two of the studies indicated funding from industry (35, 37), and one did not report a funding source (36). Only one of the studies clearly indicated randomization (36), while one indicated the study design did not allow for full randomization (37), and the other study did not report randomization (35).…”