A Volume Evaluation of Dental Caries in a Mouse with the Use of the Micro-CT Scan

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop a three-dimensional method of caries evaluation; once a method is established genetic variables can be altered in order to detect the gene(s) involved in the development of dental caries in mice. As dental caries has a three-dimensional nature to its course, the Micro-CT scan quantifies the volume of caries. Inbred Mice were used of known caries susceptibility —BALB/c mice. Mice were divided into the control and experimental group; later inoculated with Streptococcus mutans. The experimental group was fed a caries promoting diet and later caries volume was evaluated by use of the Micro-CT scan in both groups. There was a clear difference in tooth volume of mice infected for 7 weeks and 9 weeks, the Micro-CT scan indicated this evidently.