ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE USE OF ODONTOTROPIC AGENTS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOOTH CARIES IN RATS DURING THE ANTE- AND POSTNATAL PERIOD

Abstract

Tooth caries is one of the most common dental pathologies, particularly prevalent among children. The formation of caries resistance in teeth largely depends on the ante- and postnatal intake of essential odontotropic substances by the mother, such as fluoride, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and D. However, the lack of scientific data on optimal administration protocols for these substances during pregnancy and lactation complicates caries prevention in children. Aim of the study. To evaluate the effect of ante- and postnatal administration of sodium fluoride, calcium glycerophosphate, vitamin complexes, and their combination on the formation of caries resistance in rats under cariogenic dietary conditions. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted on 14 pregnant female rats and their 69 offspring. Sodium fluoride, calcium glycerophosphate, vitamin complexes, or their combination were administered to pregnant and lactating females. The offspring were maintained on the cariogenic Stephan diet for 30 days. The intensity of the caries process was assessed by the number of carious lesions, caries depth, and the degree of alveolar ridge atrophy. Statistical analysis was performed using the STATISTICA 6.1 software with Student’s t-test. Results. The administration of the agents and their combination significantly reduced the intensity of the caries process compared to the control group. The highest preventive effect was observed with the combined administration of the agents, which reduced the number of carious lesions by 3.4 times and the degree of alveolar ridge atrophy by 1.3 times compared to the control. Conclusions. The combined administration of agents during pregnancy and lactation demonstrates high efficacy in forming resistance to caries. The obtained results may serve as a basis for developing modern preventive dental programs.