A Comparison of the Caries-inhibitory Potential of Sodium Metabisulfite and Related Compounds

¹ National Institute of Dental Research, National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service, U. S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Bethesda, Maryland

Sodium metabisulfite and a number of related compounds were incorporated into a cariogenic diet at concentrations equivalent to 0.04-gm. moles per kilo of diet with respect to sulfur. The caries scores observed in the rats receiving sodium sulfite, sodium metabisulfite, sodium hydrosulfite, and sodium bisulfite were 89, 84, 80, and 74 per cent, respectively—less than the untreated controls. Sodium sulfate had no effect on caries. The caries score of the group receiving sodium bisulfate was 24 per cent lower than the controls. This difference was not significant.

There was no change in incisor pigmentation in any of the groups.

The occlusal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular molars of the animals receiving sodium bisulfate had the appearance of severe attrition, and there was a loss of enamel on the lingual surfaces.