ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE USE OF ODONTOTROPIC AGENTS ON PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY IN RAT TOOTH PULP DURING THE ANTE- AND POSTNATAL PERIOD

Abstract

The normal course of mineralization of the hard dental tissues largely depends on the adequate intake of minerals and vitamins, especially during the critical periods of intrauterine development and the early postnatal period. A deficiency of these nutrients at that time may increase the susceptibility of teeth to cariogenic factors and lead to the early onset of enamel and dentin lesions. Purpose of the study. To determine the effect of antenatal and postnatal administration of sodium fluoride, calcium glycerophosphate, vitamin complexes, and their combination on the biochemical markers of rat tooth pulp, under conditions of a cariogenic diet. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted on 14 pregnant female rats and their 69 offspring. Sodium fluoride, calcium glycerophosphate, vitamin complexes, or their combination were administered to pregnant and lactating females. The offspring were maintained on the cariogenic Stephan diet for 30 days. A biochemical analysis of the tooth pulp was performed in rats that received various odontotropic agents during the antenatal and early postnatal development period. Statistical analysis was performed using the STATISTICA 6.1 software with Student’s t-test. Results. It was found that the administration of sodium fluoride, calcium glycerophosphate, and vitamins during the antenatal and early postnatal period led to an increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and a decrease in acid phosphatase (ACP) activity in the tooth pulp compared to the control group. The highest ALP/ACP ratio was noted in the group where rats received a combination of the studied agents (NaF, calcium glycerophosphate, and “Aerovit”), indicating an enhanced mineralizing function of the pulp and effective protection against the effects of a cariogenic diet. Conclusions. The complex application of odontotropic agents (sodium fluoride, calcium glycerophosphate, and vitamins) during intrauterine development and lactation helps optimize the biochemical parameters of the pulp, confirming the advisability of this approach for the prevention of cariogenic changes in the hard dental tissues. Further research may deepen the understanding of the mechanisms of action of these agents and contribute to the development of effective caries prevention strategies.