The Effect of Penicillin on Dental Caries in Rats Fed on a Coarse Corn Diet

Abstract

THIS experiment was undertaken in conjunction with studies at this University on the effect of penicillin on human caries. Rat caries is sufficiently similar to this disease in man so that, experimentally, some light can be focused on the problem.' Previous information as to the effect of this antibiotic has been reported.2 McClure and Hewitt used rats on a caries-producing diet, and added 75 units of penicillin per gram of diet to the experimental group. The drinking water also contained 75 units per milliliter. It was felt that this amount of penicillin was maximal; therefore the present study was undertaken to determine the minimal amount of penicillin in water which could reduce caries incidence in the presence of a caries-producing diet alone, as well as with sucrose in the drinking water.