A Comparative Evaluation of the Acidogenic Potential of Lactose-based, Soy-based, Protein Hydrolysate-based, and Iron-based Milk Formulas Based on Dental Plaque pH, Salivary pH, and Buffering Capacity: An In Vivo Study

Breastfeeding is the gold standard nutrition for infants. However, the inability of infants to latch on, maternal complaints of sore or painful nipples, and insufficient milk supply frequently result in early breastfeeding cessation. Hence, milk has subsequently been replaced by infant formula milks of high quality, which serve as an alternate source of nutrition for infants. There also has been a rising concern among parents and caretakers regarding the cariogenic potential of the various milk formulas available in the market due to the presence of fermentable carbohydrates in them, leading to an increase in nursing caries or early childhood caries. Hence, this study aims to comparatively evaluate the acidogenic potential of four different milk formulas based on dental plaque pH, salivary pH, and buffering capacity.