Effects of molybdenum, strontium and their combination on dental caries in the rat

ABSTRACT

The effect of Sr and Mo alone or in combination on dental caries has not extensively evaluated and still a subject of controversy. To investigate this effect, rats were given weaning 50 ppm Sr and 1 ppm Mo alone or in combination via the drinking water. The control group was given distilled water. The rats fed a formulated cariogenic diet from 21 to 71 days of age, were killed and the first, second and third molars were evaluated for carious lesions. Strontium and molybdenum or their combination decreased the number and the extent of enamel and dentin caries of molars erupted at the time of the elements administration. For third molars where the elements were given before and after its eruption, Sr and its combination with Mo decreased the caries. However, the Mo alone did not produce significant caries reduction. The results demonstrate that Sr and Sr + Mo combination has a pre- and post-eruptive cariostatic effect whereas Mo has a post- eruptive effect only. Also, it demonstrates that the Sr and Mo did not have synergistic effects