Identification of carbohydrates in infant formulas and their contribution to the development of dental caries

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17765/2176-9206.2026v19e13322

Keywords:

Breast-milk Substitutes, Dental Caries, Dietary Carbohydrates, Sucrose, Infant Formula

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify the types of carbohydrates present in infant formulas available on the market and to evaluate their contribution to the development of dental caries. This was an observational and descriptive study in which different aspects of commercially available infant formulas were analyzed, including age range, brand, manufacturer, overall label composition, and types of carbohydrates present. A total of 16 types of infant formulas were identified, purchased from pharmacies and supermarkets, and among the 15 samples analyzed, 14 brands contained maltodextrins, while one brand contained starch in its composition, both of which are carbohydrates fermentable by bacteria in the dental biofilm. Infant formulas are widely available on the market and present a diversity of carbohydrates in their composition, and all carbohydrates identified in the evaluated formulas demonstrated cariogenic potential. In addition, the practice of adding sucrose to bottle preparations may further induce the formation of a cariogenic dental biofilm.

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Author Biographies

Dayse Andrade Romão, Universidade Federal de Alagoas

Graduated in Dentistry from the Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL, 2011), a Master's degree in Dentistry with a concentration in Cariology from the State University of Campinas (FOP/UNICAMP, 2013), a Specialization in Public and Family Health from the State University of Campinas (FOP/UNICAMP, 2015), and a Doctorate in Dentistry with a concentration in Cariology from the State University of Campinas (FOP/UNICAMP, 2015). Currently serves as an Associate Professor in the field of Cariology in the Dentistry program at the Federal University of Alagoas, teaching the courses Cariology, Integrated Clinical Practice 1, and Pediatric Dentistry.

Eudson Da Silva Ferreira, Centro Universitário de Maceió

Graduated in Dentistry from UNIMA Centro Universitário de Maceió (2023). Has experience in the field of Dentistry, with an emphasis on Clinical Dentistry.

Raphaela Farias Rodrigues, Universidade Federal de Alagoas

Associate Professor in the field of Restorative Dentistry and Coordinator of the Dentistry program at the School of Dentistry of the Federal University of Alagoas (FOUFAL). Previously served as Coordinator (2015–2017) of the Dentistry program and as a Professor at Tiradentes University Center (UNIT-AL), and as an Assistant Professor (2016–2017) at the State University of Health Sciences of Alagoas (UNCISAL). Holds a degree in Dentistry from the Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL, 2010). Completed a Doctorate (2017) and a Master’s degree (2013) in Applied Dental Sciences, with a concentration in Restorative Dentistry, at the School of Dentistry of Bauru, University of São Paulo (FOB/USP). Also holds a Specialization in Restorative Dentistry (2012) from the Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies at the University of São Paulo (HRAC-USP/Centrinho).

Rafaela Andrade de Vasconcelos, Universidade Federal de Alagoas

Graduated in Dentistry from the Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL, 2007). Completed a specialization in Endodontics at the Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP, 2009), and participated in the Professional Development Program (PROAC) in the Department of Restorative Dentistry, specializing in Endodontics, at São Paulo State University Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), São José dos Campos (2010). At the same institution, completed a Master’s degree (2012) and a PhD (2016) in Restorative Dentistry with a specialization in Endodontics, which included a research internship (2015) at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Ove Peters. Research interests include endodontic diagnosis, endodontic instruments, root canal anatomy, root canal preparation, root canal obturation, dental trauma, and adaptation and adhesive strength of intraradicular posts. Currently serves as a professor of Endodontics at the School of Dentistry, Federal University of Alagoas (FOUFAL).

Barbara Jéssica de Assunção Costa, Universidade Estadual de Campinas

PhD student in the Dentistry program with a focus on Cariology at the Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP). My research is focused on dental caries, biofilm, and its association with fermentable carbohydrates, with an emphasis on the mechanisms involved in the development and control of these conditions.

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Published

2026-02-25

How to Cite

Romão, D. A., Ferreira, E. D. S., Pereira Nunes Maia, G. ., Rodrigues, R. F., Vasconcelos, R. A. de, & Costa, B. J. de A. (2026). Identification of carbohydrates in infant formulas and their contribution to the development of dental caries. Saúde E Pesquisa, 19, e13322. https://doi.org/10.17765/2176-9206.2026v19e13322

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