title: Effect of casein and whey-protein solutions on caries experience and feeding patterns of the rat.
abstract: Casein (bovine milk phosphoprotein) at 2 per cent (w/v) in drinking water reduced the extent of fissure and smooth-surface caries of male Sprague-Dawley rats consuming a solid cariogenic diet. Whey protein (the non-phosphorylated protein group of bovine milk) also at 2 per cent (w/v) in the drinking water produced a smaller reduction and only of fissure caries. There was no significant difference in salivary-gland function (as determined by protein concentration), or in the amount or frequency of cariogenic diet consumed. The finding that a 2 per cent solution of whey protein reduced the extent of fissure caries in animals consuming a solid diet containing 26 per cent whey protein suggests that the anticariogenic action is mediated by the protein being in solution. These results suggest a topical anticariogenic action for dietary protein.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002364:Caseins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004037:Diet, Cariogenic; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004327:Drinking Behavior; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D007785:Lactose; D008297:Male; D008894:Milk Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides / Q000032:analysis; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D002364:Caseins; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D008894:Milk Proteins; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides; D007785:Lactose