Comparison of the Caries-Producing Properties of Diets 2700, 2000, and Modifications of 2000 in Rats

¹ Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA

Diet 2000 did not support as rapid growth as did diet 2700, even when supplemented simultaneously with protein, unsaturated fats, B-complex and fat-soluble vitamins, and minerals. With some strain variation, the mineral mixture as a supplement to diet 2000 caused reductions in caries activity in occlusal sulci and on smooth surfaces to about the same levels observed with diet 2700. Sucrose and confectioner's sugar fed alone alternating with laboratory meal were about equally capable of supporting caries.