Study on hypomineralized areas in hamster molars.

Abstract

Hypomineralized area (HMA) scores were determined for hamster molars during tooth maturation and fluoride treatment. It was found that the molars were maturing until the animals were 45 days old, but from 45 to 74 days of age the HMA scores remained constant. Fluoride treatment decreased the HMA score. The group with the lowest HMA score was fed a cariogenic diet, inoculated with Streptococcus mutans and received topical fluoride treatment.