Abstract This study evaluates how atenolol affects dental mineralization in offspring of female spontaneously hypertensive rats (fSHR) and normotensive Wistar rats (fW). fSHR and fW were treated with atenolol (100 mg/Kg/day, orally) during pregnancy and lactation. Non-treated fSHR and fW were the control groups. Enamel and dentin hardness were analyzed (Knoop, 15 g load, 10s) in mandibular incisor teeth (IT) and molar teeth (MT) obtained from the male offspring of atenolol-treated and non-treated fWistar and fSHR. Data were analyzed by ANOVA, followed by Tukey post hoc test (p < 0.05). Atenolol reduced the arterial blood pressure (SBP) in fSHR, but it did not change the SBP in fW. The offspring of non-treated fSHR had lower enamel (IT and MT) and dentin (IT) hardness than the offspring of non-treated fW (p < 0.05). Atenolol increased enamel and dentin hardness in the IT obtained from the offspring of fSHR and fW (p<0.05), but the offspring of fSHR presented higher values (p < 0.05). Atenolol did not alter enamel width in the IT obtained from any of the groups, but it increased enamel and dentin hardness in the IT obtained from the offspring of fSHR and fW. Atenolol affected the IT obtained from the offspring of fSHR. Atenolol increased only enamel hardness in the MT obtained from the offspring of fW. In conclusion, maternal hypertension reduces tooth hard tissues, and treatment with atenolol increases tooth hardness in male offspring of hypertensive and normotensive female rats.

O presente estudo avaliou a ação do trimetafosfato de sódio (TMP) e/ou fluoreto sobre a hidroxiapatita. Pó de hidroxiapatita foi suspenso em diferentes soluções: água deionizada, 500 µg F/mL, 1100 µg F/mL, 1%TMP, 3%TMP, 500 µg F/mL adicionado a 1%TMP e 500 µg F/mL associado a 3%TMP. O pH das soluções foi reduzido para 4,0 e depois de 30 min, elevado para 7,0 (três vezes). Depois do processo de ciclagem de pH, as amostras foram analisadas por difração de raios-X e espectroscopia por infravermelho. As concentrações de fluoreto de cálcio, fluoreto, cálcio e fósforo também foram determinadas. A adição de 1% ou 3% TMP na solução contendo 500 µg F/mL produziu uma maior quantidade de fluoreto de cálcio comparado às amostras tratadas com uma solução de 1100 µg F/mL. A respeito da concentração de cálcio, amostras tratadas com soluções de 1100 µg F/mL e 500 µg F/mL adicionado ao TMP foram estatisticamente similares e mostraram maiores valores. Soluções de 1100 µg F/mL e 500 µg F/mL adicionado ao TMP resultaram em uma proporção molar Ca/P mais próxima à da hidroxiapatita. Conclui-se que a associação de TMP e F favoreceu a precipitação de uma hidroxiapatita mais estável.

The present study analyzed the action of sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) and/or fluoride on hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyapatite powder was suspended in different solutions: deionized water, 500 µg F/mL, 1,100 µg F/mL, 1%TMP, 3%TMP, 500 µg F/mL plus 1%TMP and 500 µg F/mL plus 3%TMP. The pH value of the solutions was reduced to 4.0 and after 30 min, raised to 7.0 (three times). After pH-cycling, the samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. The concentrations of calcium fluoride, fluoride, calcium and phosphorus were also determined. Adding 1% or 3% TMP to the solution containing 500 µg F/mL produced a higher quantity of calcium fluoride compared to samples prepared in a 1,100 µg F/mL solution. Regarding the calcium concentration, samples prepared in solutions of 1,100 µg F/mL and 500 µg F/mL plus TMP were statistically similar and showed higher values. Using solutions of 1,100 µg F/mL and 500 µg F/mL plus TMP resulted in a calcium/phosphorus ratio close to that of hydroxyapatite. It is concluded that the association of TMP and fluoride favored the precipitation of a more stable hydroxyapatite.

Este estudo avaliou o efeito de diferentes concentrações de trimetafosfato de sódio (TMP) com e sem fluoreto (F) nas concentrações de cálcio (Ca), fósforo (P) e F na hidroxiapatita (HA). Pó de HA sintético (0,15 g) foi suspenso (n=6) em soluções (75 mL) de TMP com concentrações de 0%, 0,1%, 0,2%, 0,4%, 0,6%, 0,8%, 1,0%, 2,0%, 4,0%, 6,0%, 8,0% e 10% na presença ou na ausência de 100 ppm F e foram submetidas ao processo de ciclagem de pH. O precipitado foi filtrado seco a 70°C por 24 h e triturado em um pó fino. As concentrações de F (solúvel em KOH: CaF2, e em HCl: FA), Ca (Arsenazo III) e P (método do molibdato) foram determinadas na HA. Os dados de Ca, P e de proporção Ca/P foram submetidos ao teste de Tukey e os dados de F ao teste Student-Newman-Keuls (p<0,05). A adição de TMP reduziu a deposição de F em 98% (p<0,001). Os grupos contendo 100 ppm F e TMP 0,4% e 0,6% apresentaram maiores concentrações de Ca do que o grupo contendo somente 100 ppm F (p<0,05). Além disso, a HA tratada com 0,2% e 0,4% de TMP e 100 ppm F apresentou maiores proporções Ca/P em relação aos demais grupos (p<0,001). Em conclusão, TMP nas concentrações de 0,2%, 0,4% e 0,6% quando associado ao F é capaz de precipitar uma HA com menor solubilidade. Entretanto, especialmente em altas concentrações, TMP interfere com a deposição de F na HA.

This study evaluated the effect of different concentrations of sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) with and without fluoride (F) on the concentration of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and F in hydroxyapatite (HA). Synthetic HA powder (0.15 g) was suspended (n=6) in solutions (75 mL) of TMP at 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, 1.0%, 2.0%, 4.0%, 6.0%, 8.0% and 10% concentrations in the presence and absence of 100 ppm F and subjected to a pH-cycling process. The precipitates were filtrated, dried at 70° C for 24 h and ground onto a fine powder. The concentrations of F (KOH (CaF2) and HCl (FA) soluble), Ca (Arsenazo III), and P (molybdate method) in HA were determined. The Ca P, and Ca/P ratio data were subjected to Tukey's test and the F data were subjected to Student-Newman-Keuls test (p<0.05). The addition of TMP to the samples reduced F deposition to 98% (p<0.001). The groups containing 100 ppm F and 0.4% or 0.6% TMP exhibited a higher Ca concentration than the group containing only 100 ppm F (p<0.05). Furthermore, the HA treated with 0.2% and 0.4% TMP and 100 ppm F showed a higher Ca/P ratio than the other groups (p<0.001). In conclusion, TMP at 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% concentrations combined with F seemed to be able to precipitate HA with low solubility. However, especially at high concentrations, TMP interferes with F deposition on HA.

Because of the growing concerns regarding fluoride ingestion by young children and dental fluorosis, it is necessary to develop new dentifrices. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dentifrices with calcium citrate (Cacit) and sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) on enamel demineralization. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Enamel blocks (n=70), previously selected through surface hardness analysis, were submitted to daily treatment with dentifrices diluted in artificial saliva and to a pH-cycling model. The fluoride concentration in dentifrices was 0, 250, 450, 550, 1,000 and 1,100 µg F/g. CrestTM was used as a positive control (1,100 mg F/g). Cacit (0.25%) and TMP (0.25%) were added to dentifrices with 450 and 1,000 µg F/g. Surface hardness was measured again and integrated loss of subsurface hardness and fluoride concentration in enamel were calculated. Parametric and correlation tests were used to determine difference (p<0.05) and dose-response relationship between treatments. RESULTS: The addition of Cacit and TMP did not provide a higher fluoride concentration in enamel, however it reduced (p<0.05) mineral loss when compared to other dentifrices; the dentifrice with Cacit and TMP and a low fluoride concentration presented similar results when compared to a dentifrice with 1,100 mg F/g (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Dentifrices with 450 and 1,000 µg F/g, Cacit and TMP were as effective as a gold standard one.

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the erosive capacity of fermented milk beverages, as well as some of their properties that affect the demineralization of dental enamel (pH, buffering capacity, fluoride, calcium and phosphorus contents). Three different batches of 6 commercial brands of fermented milk beverages were analyzed. pH evaluation was accomplished using a potentiometer. The buffering capacity was measured by adding 1 mol L-1 NaOH. Fluoride concentration was assessed by an ion specific electrode after hexamethyldisiloxane-facilitated diffusion, and calcium and phosphorus concentrations were assessed by a colorimetric test using a spectrophotometer. Sixty specimens of bovine enamel were randomly assigned to 6 groups (n = 10). They were exposed to 4 cycles of demineralization in the fermented milk and remineralization in artificial saliva. Enamel mineral loss was determined by surface microhardness (%SMHC) and profilometric tests. The samples' pH ranged from 3.51 to 3.87; the buffering capacity ranged from 470.8 to 804.2 µl of 1 mol L-1 NaOH; the fluoride concentration ranged from 0.027 to 0.958 µgF/g; the calcium concentration ranged from 0.4788 to 0.8175 mgCa/g; and the phosphorus concentration ranged from 0.2662 to 0.5043 mgP/g. The %SMHC ranged from -41.0 to -29.4. The enamel wear ranged from 0.15 µm to 0.18 µm. In this in vitro study, the fermented milk beverages did not promote erosion of the dental enamel, but rather only a superficial mineral loss.

OBJECTIVE: The time of contact between the product and enamel surface is important in ensuring the efficacy of fluoride varnishes. Thus, some alternatives could avoid fluoride loss to saliva and improve the anticariogenic action of the product. This study evaluated the effect of an experimental coat on the anticariogenic action of fluoride varnishes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Enamel bovine blocks were selected by evaluating surface microhardness and randomized into five groups (n=24): placebo, DuraphatTM, DuraphatTM with coat, DuofluoridTM and DuofluoridTM with coat. Twelve blocks from each group were used to analyze calcium fluoride (CaF2) formed on enamel after treatment. The other 12 blocks were subjected to pH cycling for 7 days. The varnishes were kept on enamel for 6 h. Next, the percentage change of surface microhardness (%SMHC) and mineral loss (ΔZ) were calculated. CaF2 retained and fluoride present in the pH-cycled solutions were also measured. RESULTS: The use of the coat did not decrease %SMHC and ΔZ, but all fluoride varnishes had better results when compared to the placebo (ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis, respectively). The values from CaF2 formed were higher compared to the values of CaF2 retained (non-paired t test, p<0.05). There was a trend to decrease the amount of F in the solutions at the end of pH cycling (Kruskal-Wallis, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although the experimental coat increased the formation of CaF2 on the enamel surface, it did not significantly improve the anticariogenic action of fluoride varnishes.

Este estudo teve como objetivos determinar os teores de flúor de algumas marcas comerciais de substitutos do leite materno e avaliar a possibilidade de desenvolvimento de fluorose dentária com o consumo destes produtos. Os produtos, todos em pó, foram divididos em três grupos: fórmulas infantis (grupo F, n = 7), leite (grupo L, n = 8) e leite de soja (grupo S, n = 3). As amostras de pó de três latas de lotes diferentes de cada marca comercial foram reconstituídas em água deionizada e analisadas pelo método eletrodo específico, após difusão facilitada por hexametildisiloxane (HMDS). O conteúdo de flúor (mg F/L) dos produtos variou de 0,044 a 0,326 (F), 0,014 a 0,045 (L) e 0,253 a 0,702 (S). Houve diferença significativa (p < 0,05) entre o conteúdo de flúor de latas de lotes diferentes do mesmo produto na maioria das marcas comerciais analisadas. A reconstituição de todos os produtos em água com concentração ótima de flúor, para o consumo de crianças na faixa etária de formação dos dentes decíduos, pode resultar em quantidades diárias de ingestão de flúor superiores a 0,07 mg F/kg peso/dia. Portanto, o consumo desses produtos, principalmente quando reconstituídos em água fluoretada poderia aumentar o risco de desenvolvimento de fluorose dentária.

The aim of the present study was to determine the fluoride concentration in some brands of mother's milk substitutes and evaluate the possibility of developing dental fluorosis by consuming these products. The products, all powdered, were divided into 3 groups: infant formulae (group I, n = 7), milk-based (group M, n = 8) and soy-based (group S, n = 3). Samples from 3 cans of different batches of each brand were reconstituted in deionized water and analyzed using the specific electrode method, after hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS) facilitated diffusion. The fluoride content (mg F/L) of the products ranged from 0.044 to 0.326 (I), 0.014 to 0.045 (M) and 0.253 to 0.702 (S). There was significant difference in the fluoride content of cans from distinct batches (p < 0.05) in most of the brands. The reconstitution of all products in water with optimal fluoride concentration for consumption during the mineralization phase of the primary teeth could result in daily fluoride intake above 0.07 mg F/kg body weight/day. Therefore, the consumption of these products, especially when reconstituted with optimally fluoridated water, could increase the risk of developing dental fluorosis.

Diversas patologias têm sido diagnosticadas em filhos de mães hipertensas, entretanto alguns estudos que avaliaram as possíveis alterações na saúde oral não são conclusivos. Neste trabalho foram analisadas a atividade das glândulas salivares e a mineralização dental de filhotes de ratas espontaneamente hipertensas (SHR). Ratos machos, com 30 dias de vida, SHR e Wistar, foram estudados. O fluxo salivar foi avaliado pela injeção de pilocarpina e a concentração de proteínas e atividade da amilase na saliva, pelo método de Lowry e método cinético a 405 nm, respectivamente. A mineralização do esmalte e dentina de incisivos inferiores foi quantificada através da medida da microdureza. Os resultados foram analisados pelo teste ANOVA ou t de Student's não pareado (p<0,05). Verificou-se que o fluxo salivar (0,026 mL/min/100 g ± 0,002) e a concentração de proteínas na saliva (2,26 mg/mL ± 0,14) de filhotes SHR estavam reduzidos em comparação com filhotes normotensos Wistar (0,036 mL/min/100 g ± 0,003 e 2,91 mg/mL ± 0,27, respectivamente), porém sem nenhuma alteração da atividade da amilase (SHR: 242,4 U/mL ± 36,9, Wistar: 163,8 U/mL ± 14,1). A microdureza mostrou-se menor tanto no esmalte (255,8 KHN ± 2,6) quanto na dentina (59,9 KHN ± 0,8) dos dentes de SHR em comparação com os de Wistar (esmalte: 328,7 KHN ± 3,3 e dentina: 67,1 KHN ± 1,0 ). Estes resultados sugerem que filhotes SHR seriam mais susceptíveis ao desenvolvimento de patologias que prejudicam a saúde oral, uma vez que apresentaram fluxo e concentração proteica salivares reduzidos e menor mineralização dental.

Several pathologies have been diagnosed in children of hypertensive mothers; however, some studies that evaluated the alterations in their oral health are not conclusive. This study analyzed the salivary gland activity and dental mineralization of offsprings of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Thirty-day-old SHR males and Wistar rats were studied. The salivary flow was evaluated by injection of pilocarpine, the protein concentration and salivary amylase activity, by the Lowry method and kinetic method at 405 nm, respectively. Enamel and dentin mineralization of the mandibular incisors was quantified with aid of the microhardness meter. The results were analyzed by the ANOVA or Student's t test (p<0.05). It was noticed that the salivary flow rate (0.026 mL/min/100 g ± 0.002) and salivary protein concentration (2.26 mg/mL ± 0.14) of SHR offspring were reduced compared to Wistar normotensive offspring (0.036 mL/min/100 g ± 0.003 and 2.91 mg/mL ± 0.27, respectively), yet there was no alteration in amylase activity (SHR: 242.4 U/mL ± 36.9; Wistar: 163.8 U/mL ± 14.1). Microhardness was lower both in enamel (255.8 KHN ± 2.6) and dentin (59.9 KHN ± 0.8) for the SHR teeth compared to the Wistar teeth (enamel: 328.7 KHN ± 3.3 and dentin: 67.1 KHN ± 1.0). These results suggest that the SHR offspring are more susceptible to development of pathologies impairing oral health, once they presented lesser flow and salivary protein concentration and lower dental mineralization.

OBJETIVOS: Este trabalho avaliou o efeito anticariogênico do flúor liberado por dois produtos comumente aplicados em crianças. MÉTODOS: Para isto, utilizaram-se blocos de esmalte de dentes bovinos distribuídos aleatoriamente em três grupos de tratamento: controle (C), verniz fluoretado (V) e solução de diamino fluoreto de prata (D). Os blocos foram submetidos à ciclagem de pH a 37ºC. Após, realizou-se o teste de microdureza de superfície (para o cálculo da % da perda de microdureza de superfície - %SML) e em secção longitudinal do esmalte (% de alteração da área mineral - %deltaZ) e a determinação do flúor presente no esmalte (F/P x 10-3). RESULTADOS: As concentrações de flúor (ANOVA, p<0,05) na 1ª camada do esmalte, antes da ciclagem de pH, foram (C, V e D): 1,6ª; 21,6b e 4,0c. Os resultados de %SML (Kruskal-Wallis, p<0.05) foram: -64,0ª, -45,2b e -53,1c. Os valores de %deltaZ (ANOVA, p<0.05) foram: -18,7ª, -7,7b e -17,3ª. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados sugerem que o flúor liberado pelo verniz apresentou maior interação com o esmalte promovendo menor perda mineral quando comparado à solução de diamino de prata.

OBJECTIVE: In the present investigation, the anticariogenic effect of fluoride released by two products commonly applied in infants was evaluated. METHODS: Bovine sound enamel blocks were randomly allocated to each one of the treatment groups: control (C), varnish (V) and diamine silver fluoride solution (D). The blocks were submitted to pH cycles in an oven at 37ºC. Next, surface and cross-sectional microhardness were assessed to calculate the percentage loss of surface microhardness (%SML) and the mineral loss (deltaZ). The fluoride present in enamel was also determined. RESULTS: F/Px10-3 (ANOVA, p<0.05) in the 1st layer of enamel before pH-cycling were (C, V and D): 1.61ª; 21.59b and 3.98c. The %SMH (Kruskal-Wallis, p<0.05) were: -64.0ª, -45.2b and -53.1c. %deltaZ values (ANOVA, p<0.05) were: -18.7ª, -7.7b and -17.3ª. CONCLUSION: The data suggested that the fluoride released by varnish showed greater interaction with sound enamel and provided less mineral loss when compared with silver diamine solution.

O objetivo do trabalho foi verificar se a deficiência de estrógenos causava alteração na microdureza do esmalte e da dentina de incisivos de ratas e se a administração crônica de fluoreto alterava essa resposta. Ratas ovariectomizadas ou sham-ovariectomizadas receberam para beber água destilada contendo ou não NaF 10 ppm, durante 90 dias. Decorrido este tempo, os incisivos maxilares foram removidos e a microdureza determinada no esmalte e dentina. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância e teste de Tukey (p<0,05). Constatou-se uma redução significante na mineralização da coroa (7,9% e 8,1%) e raiz (20,4% e 25,0%) nos grupos tratados com fluoreto ou água destilada, respectivamente e um aumento (14,2%) na dentina da coroa, após a ovariectomia. O tratamento com fluoreto não impediu a redução da mineralização no esmalte, porém interferiu na dentina diminuindo a mineralização, após a ovariectomia. Concluiu-se que o processo da mineralização do esmalte e da dentina dos incisivos de ratas sofre a ação de estrógenos, de maneira direta ou indireta e que os dois tecidos respondem de maneiras diferentes à administração de fluoreto.

The aim of this study was to verify the influence of estrogen deficiency on enamel and dentin microhardness of female rats' incisors, as well as the influence of chronic administration of fluoride on that response. Sham or OVX rats drank distilled water or distilled water with 10 ppm fluoride as NaF, for 90 days. The upper incisors were removed and the specimens submitted to microhardness analysis of enamel and dentin. The data were compared by variance analysis and Tukey's test (p<0.05). There was a significant reduction in the mineralization of crown (7.9% and 8.1%) and root (20.4% and 25.0%) in both groups treated with fluoride or distilled water, respectively and an increase (14.2%) in the mineralization of coronal dentin after ovariectomy. Fluoride treatment did not cause reduction in enamel mineralization; however, it reduced dentin mineralization following ovariectomy. It was possible to conclude that estrogens directly or indirectly influence the process of enamel and dentin mineralization of female rats' incisors. The results also indicate that enamel and dentin exhibit different responses to fluoride administration.

No presente estudo, o teor de flúor e o pH de 14 marcas comerciais de soluções para bochechos foram avaliados a fim de comparar com os valores expressos nos rótulos e com aqueles determinados pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária. Foram adquiridos 42 produtos em três localidades, com diferentes lotes de fabricação. A concentração de flúor foi determinada em soluções diluídas, utilizando-se eletrodo específico combinado para íon flúor (9609 BN Orion Research) e analisador de íons (290 A Orion Research). Os resultados mostraram que 50% das soluções apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significantes, com concentrações de flúor superiores àquelas expressas nos rótulos e o pH variou entre 4,23 a 7,34, mas apenas um dos produtos registrou o valor do pH em seu rótulo.

In this study, the fluoride concentration and pH of 14 commercial brands of mouthrinses were assessed in order to compare them with the values expressed on the labels and with those established by the National Sanitary Surveillance Agency. Forty-two (42) products were obtained from three places, with different manufacturing batches. The fluoride concentration was determined in diluted solutions, using a combined specific electrode for fluoride ion (9609 BN Orion Research) and ion analyzer (290 A Orion Research). The results showed that 50% of the solutions had statistically significant differences, with higher fluoride concentrations than those expressed on the labels, and the pH ranged from 4.23 to 7.34, but only one of the products registered the pH value on its label.

A administração neonatal de glutamato monossódico (MSG) em ratos provoca distúrbios neuroendócrinos que acarretam alterações em vários sistemas orgânicos. Neste trabalho, avaliamos as repercussões desse tratamento sobre dentes e glândulas salivares. Ratos machos e fêmeas recém-nascidos foram injetados com MSG (4 mg/g peso corporal, s.c.) uma vez ao dia nos 2º, 4º, 6º, 8º e 10º dias após o nascimento; o grupo controle recebeu solução salina no mesmo esquema. O momento da erupção do incisivo inferior foi determinado entre o 4º e o 10º dia de vida, e o ritmo de erupção foi medido entre o 43º e o 67º dia. O fluxo de saliva e o conteúdo salivar de proteína e amilase foram determinados sob estimulação com pilocarpina aos 3 meses de idade. Os animais tratados com MSG mostraram reduções significativas do fluxo salivar (machos: -27%; fêmeas: -40%) e do peso das glândulas submandibulares (cerca de -12%). Apenas em machos houve discreta redução do peso corporal (7%). A saliva dos animais tratados com MSG apresentou aumento na concentração de proteínas totais e na atividade amilásica. A erupção dos incisivos inferiores ocorreu mais precocemente nos ratos tratados do que nos controles, porém a taxa de erupção apresentou-se significativamente reduzida. A microdureza também foi menor nos animais tratados. Nossos resultados mostram que o tratamento de ratos recém-nascidos com MSG causa um quadro definido de alterações buco-dentais no animal adulto, traduzidas por redução do fluxo de saliva (sem redução da síntese protéica) e distúrbios de mineralização e erupção dentárias. Esses dados apontam para o importante papel modulador que certos núcleos hipotalâmicos sensíveis ao MSG exercem sobre os fatores que regulam a suscetibilidade à cárie.

Neonatal administration of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in rats causes definite neuroendocrine disturbances which lead to alterations in many organ systems. The possibility that MSG could affect tooth and salivary gland physiology was examined in this paper. Male and female pups were injected subcutaneously with MSG (4 mg/g BW) once a day at the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th day after birth. Control animals were injected with saline, following the same schedule. Lower incisor eruption was determined between the 4th and the 10th postnatal days, and the eruption rate was measured between the 43rd and the 67th days of age. Pilocarpine-stimulated salivary flow was measured at 3 months of age; protein and amylase contents were thereby determined. The animals treated with MSG showed significant reductions in the salivary flow (males, -27%; females, -40%) and in the weight of submandibular glands (about -12%). Body weight reduction was only about 7% for males, and did not vary in females. Saliva of MSG-treated rats had increased concentrations of total proteins and amylase activity. The eruption of lower incisors occurred earlier in MSG-treated rats than in the control group, but on the other hand the eruption rate was significantly slowed down. The incisor microhardness was found to be lower than that of control rats. Our results show that neonatal MSG treatment causes well-defined oral disturbances in adulthood in rats, including salivary flow reduction, which coexisted with unaltered protein synthesis, and disturbances of dental mineralization and eruption. These data support the view that some MSG-sensitive hypothalamic nuclei have an important modulatory effect on the factors which determine caries susceptibility.