In vitro evaluation of the erosive effect of probiotic drink on tooth enamel

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate the erosive activity of six probiotic drinks (PD) on tooth enamel. Methods: Forty-eight extracted human teeth premolar free of hypocalcification and carious were used in this study. The erosive activity was evaluated by measuring the pH, titratable acidity (TA), tooth weight loss, and the rate of calcium release after 5-min exposure daily over 7 days. Results: The pH of the PD was found to be in acidic range (3.08–4.10) with different TA values depending on the bacterial strain presence. The highest pH value showed minimum TA. The erosion was determined by the rate of calcium release and weight loss from the enamel surface on exposure to PD. Most of the samples showed consistent calcium reabsorption to the tooth enamel after 5 min of exposure daily over 7 days. However, all the samples showed persistent weight loss over 7 days' exposure. Conclusion: Although PD was found to be acidic, it exhibited low erosive activity, most probably due to the presence of high calcium content and certain bacterial strains in the drink. The number and type of bacterial strain in the drink did not significantly contribute to the erosion of the enamel, as no calcium loss was found except for certain drinks of repeated exposure in days 3 and 5. However, consistent weight loss was measured over a period of 7 days. In conclusion, PD does not cause any calcium loss on tooth enamel. Other than beneficial to the gut, it also promotes calcium reabsorption to the tooth enamel.