Cariogenic potential of oral nutritional supplements measured by intraoral plaque pH telemetry

Summary Background & aims Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) administered to malnourished elders and other patients contain high-levels of carbohydrates that could be a potential risk factor for dental caries. This study aimed evaluate the cariogenic potentials ONS using intraoral plaque telemetry. Methods Ten were tested on five healthy volunteers (mean age: 76.8 ± 9.15 years). Participants requested refrain from performing oral hygiene 3–7 days prior testing. The pH-value below tooth was measured while being consumed. After neutralizing participant's saliva, control solution (10% sucrose) telemetry measurements repeated. Mean relative cariogenicity (RC) calculated each ONS. ANOVA post hoc tests used statistical analyses (p  Results All ten potentially enamel with an overall RC 0.519 ± 0.35 (Range: Min = 0.31 ± 0.16; Max = 1.00 ± 0.34). differed significantly between (p = 0.002). lower in contained high-protein (p = 0.018). not influenced by factors such as readily consumable (p = 0.102), flavor (p = 0.869), consistency (p = 0.126), fiber containing (p = 0.134), style (p = 0.112), age (p = 0.339). Conclusions are cariogenic. It is imperative administration must based individual needs potentiate maximum benefit. Wherever possible, attempt limit use high-carbohydrate practiced along adoption suitable preventive measures arrest development progression