EFFECT OF LOW-DOSE GLUCOCORTICOID TREATMENT ON DENTIN FORMATION AND DENTINAL CARIES IN RATS

The effect of a low dose of glucocorticoids on dentin formation and pr ogression of dental caries was studied in young rats. The animals were ;inoculated in the mouth with Streptococcus sobrinus and fed ad libitu m a high-sucrose, a high-starch, or a reference diet. The cortisone or placebo pellet was implanted subcutaneously in the back of the necks of the animals. After a 6-week experimental period the areas of dentin formation and dentinal caries were quantified planimetrically. Schiff s staining was used to classify caries. Cortisone reduced the dentin f ormation both in high-starch and reference diets, but it did not furth er affect the reducing effect of the high-sucrose diet on dentin forma tion. Cortisone did nor affect the number or severity of dentinal cari ous lesions.