Buffer Capacity of Saliva as a Function of Time after Consumption of Sugary, Sugar-Free and Probiotic Chewing Gums

Débora Pinto Antunes,Renata Marques De Melo Marinho,Márcia Carneiro Valera Garakis,Eduardo Bresciani

doi:10.4034/pboci.2015.151.17

Débora Pinto Antunes, Renata Marques De Melo Marinho + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4034/pboci.2015.151.17

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Abstract

Objective: To determine the time required for pH buffering by saliva after use sugary(S), sugar-free (SF) and probiotic (P) chewing gums. Material and Methods: Saliva was collected from 12 volunteer dental students at UNESP Sao Jose dos Campos / SP, in order to determine salivary flow (SR) rate and initial buffering capacity (BC). Participants presenting BC>4.0 were invited to continue the research. Participants chewed different types of gum for 3 consecutive days, and saliva was collected at 0-1min, 1-5min, and 5-10min intervals. The time required to neutralize saliva pH after chewing the different types of gum was analyzed by RM ANOVA and Tukey's test (5%). Results: RM ANOVA revealed significant influence on the interaction effect (chewing gum and time) (statisticFdf(4.66) = 4.027, p = 0.0055 <0.05). According to Tukey’s test, differences were observed in the following circumstances: for the 0-1 interval, BC of S differs from SF and P; BC of S differs from SF at 1-5 min and 5-10 min intervals; and, 0-1min interval differs from 1-5 min and 5-10 min intervals for both S and SF. Conclusion: Dentistry students showed no increased predisposition to dental caries with a specific type of chewing gum. Although time for pH recovery differed according to gum type, they were all above the critical range for enamel demineralization.

Highlights

Saliva presents a buffering system that neutralizes acids produced by acidogenic microorganisms through the action of inorganic ions
According to Tukey’s test, differences were observed in the following circumstances: for the 0-1 interval, buffering capacity (BC) of S differs from SF and P; BC of S differs from SF at 1-5 min and 5-10 min intervals; and, 0-1min interval differs from 1-5 min and 5-10 min intervals for both S and SF
Studies have shown that the use of sugary chewing gum would increase the risk of dental caries, unlike sugar free, natural sugar compounds, xylitol and sorbitol-based gums [4]

Summary

Introduction

Saliva presents a buffering system that neutralizes acids produced by acidogenic microorganisms through the action of inorganic ions (calcium, phosphate, hydroxyl, fluorides). This capacity helps the oral cavity against colonization of potentially infectious microorganisms, and thereby prevents enamel demineralization [1,2,3].The buffering capacity of saliva represents one of several factors for dental caries disease. Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms administered in adequate quantity They benefit the health of individuals and they may be, in the near future, a preventive alternative to dental caries when added to chewing gum [5]. They are indicated to reduce the incidence of dental caries in association with bacteria from saliva, inhibit re-colonization of periodontal pockets by pathogens, reduce bleeding on probing and lead to lower dental plaque index in individuals [6]

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