Effects of a mixture of bicarbonate, saccharin and fluoride on dental caries induction and bacterial count

ABSTRACT

The possible inhibitory effects of a mixture of sodium bicarbonate, [NaHCO3] sodium fluoride [NaF] and sodium saccharine [NaS] on dental caries and bacterial count were studied in albino rats. Thirty young male conventional albino rats were used in this study. They were divided into two equal groups [groups I and II] fed on highly cariogenic diet [diet 2000]. Topical application of a freshly prepared suspension of the mixture by a sterile cotton tipped applicator was done daily to the molar teeth of rats in group II. After two months, the dental caries was significantly inhibited in group II in comparison with that of group I. The bacterial count also showed significant reduction in group II, especially that of streptococcus mutant organisms