Abstract
Caries susceptibility of Balb/c mice to caries induction by Streptococcums utans serotype c, d, g strains were examined. Balb/c mice (21 days old) were given antibiotics in order to depress the oral micro flora. After depression with antibiotics, the animals were infected with Streptococcums utans serotype c, d, g strains. All the animals were bred for 95 days and fed the cariogenic diet (2000) during the experimental period. Extensive carious lesions were produced in Balb/c mice infected with S. mutans serotype c strains, which are the most frequently detected human plaques, than infected with serotype d or g strains. In mice there was observed mesio-lingual fossa in the first mandibular molar and this portion developed extensive carious lesions in addition to occlusal fissures. The appearance of the teeth in mice was very similar to those in rats, therefore it seemed to possible to use the method of caries assessment of Keyes if it were modified. Ball/c mice can be used as experimental models in caries research. A method of caries as sessment in Balb/c mice was attempted.
