Comparison of erosive potential of butter milk, tender coconut and a commercially available energy drink on human enamel: An in vitro study

Abstract

Background: Increased consumption of energy drinks by youth population leading to increased prevalence of erosion calls for exploring safe and culturally acceptable alternatives. Hence a study was planned to test the erosive potential of butter milk, tender coconut and a commercially available energy drink on human enamel in vitro. Methods: An in vitro study was conducted by selecting 30 extracted human central incisors based on selection criteria. Three enamel sections (specimens) were taken from each selected tooth and were randomly assigned to three interventional groups viz, Group A-Energy drink, Group B-Butter milk, Group C -Tender coconut water) followed by immersion in test solution for 15 minutes and placement in artificial saliva for rest of the day. This was done for 15 days duration. Pre and post 15 days test evaluation of microhardness of enamel was done assessing Knoop’s hardness value. Iodide permeability test was performed to measure the level of enamel demineralization. Student’s paired t test and oneway Anova tests were employed for statistical analysis fixing significance level at p 0.05). Conclusion: Tender coconut water may be considered as safe alternative energy drink for consumption.