Consumption Of Acidic Beverages Research Articles

In vitro assessment of dental erosion caused by clear aligners

The primary objective of this in vitro study was to investigate the erosive potential of enamel under the use of clear aligners (CA), by simulating in vivo conditions experienced by patients who do not remove their CA during the consumption of acidic beverages. In addition, the difference in erosion protection conferred by artificial and human saliva was also evaluated. Sound-extracted human premolars (n = 20) had half of their surfaces protected with acid-resistant nail polish and were randomly distributed into two experimental groups (n = 10): teeth immersed in human saliva or artificial saliva. All teeth had half of their lingual surfaces enclosed by a CA device. The erosive challenges consisted of individual immersion of each sample in citrus acid three times a day, intermediated by immersion in human saliva or artificial saliva for 2 h, during ten days of the erosive protocol. The enamel mineral content was analyzed by high-resolution microtomography. The differential mineral concentration profiles were obtained by subtracting the profile of the mineral concentration of the exposed area and enamel under the CA area from the respective sound area (control). In addition, enamel wear and enamel volume loss were measured. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also performed to analyze the enamel surface. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA, followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test. The enamel wear was higher in teeth immersed in artificial saliva, when compared to human saliva (p < 0.001). The volume loss of the exposed enamel area was lower for tooth immersed in human saliva than in artificial saliva (p < 0.001), during the acid challenge protocol. The use of CA during acid challenges promoted wear and mineral loss of dental enamel, being these changes more pronounced on the enamel surface under the CA. These results open a new path for the development of further studies adopting clinical protocols that promote more accurate responses in the clinical practice during orthodontic treatment.

Non-Biological and Biological Risk Indicators for Tooth Wear Outcomes in Adults

This study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence and severity of tooth wear (TW), as well as to assess non-biological and biological risk indicators for TW outcomes in adults. A cross-sectional study, adhering to the reporting STROBE guidelines, was conducted and had a convenience sample of adults ≥18 years of age who had at least one bilateral posterior molar contact. A total of 570 participants, seeking consultation at the University Hospital in Brussels, Belgium, were allocated to three age groups: 18–34 years (n = 232), 35–54 years (n = 256), and ≥55 years old (n = 79). Participants answered a self-applied questionnaire regarding sociodemographics, oral hygiene, and lifestyle behavior. The questionnaire was tested-retested (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.71). Inter-examiner reliability for clinical examinations was k = 0.76–0.80. The prevalence of TW was 75% (95% CI: 71.7–78.9). Out of these patients, 42% (95% CI: 38.0–46.3) had as the primary etiological factor the process of dental erosion, while 22% (95% CI: 18.9–25.9) and 11% (95% CI: 8.6–13.9) had the processes of dental attrition and dental abrasion, respectively. The severity of TW according to BEWE highest score was mild in 31%, moderate in 28%, and severe in 17% of participants. The hierarchical logistic regression model for the association between risk indicators and TW irrespective of the etiology was significant for age (>35–54 years: OR = 2.35 and ≥55 years: OR = 3.89; p < 0.001), gender (>male: OR = 2.03; p < 0.001), toothpaste (>sensitive teeth: OR = 2.34; p = 0.005), occlusal splint (>yes: OR = 1.62; p = 0.03), and acidic beverages (≥once per day: OR = 1.62; p = 0.044). Consumption of acidic beverages was not associated with TW having as the primary etiological factor the process of dental attrition or dental abrasion, while it was significantly associated with the process of dental erosion (>once per week: OR = 1.69; p = 0.043 and ≥once per day: OR = 1.73; p = 0.016). Medical conditions were equally associated with the latter (OR = 3.11; p < 0.001). These findings could contribute to improving the effectiveness and sustainability of awareness in contemporary adult populations. In conclusion, the prevalence and severity of TW in adults were substantial. Medical conditions and consumption of acidic beverages were risk indicators for TW having as the primary etiological factor the process of dental erosion, although associations were moderate and weak, respectively.

Restorative Materials Exposed to Acid Challenge: Influence of Temperature on In Vitro Weight Loss.

Consumption of acidic beverages and foods could provoke erosive damage, both for teeth and for restorative materials. Temperatures of consumption could influence the erosive effects of these products. The aim of this in vitro study is to assess the influence of an acidic challenge on the weight loss of different restorative materials. Resin composites and glass-ionomer cements (GIC) were tested. The medium of storage was Coca-Cola (Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Company, Milano, Italy) at two different temperatures, 4 and 37 °C, respectively for Group A and Group B. For each group, nine specimens were prepared for each material tested. After 7 days, weight was assessed for each sample, and the percentage weight loss was calculated. For all the resin composites (Groups 1–13), no significant weight losses were noticed. (<1%). Conversely, GICs (Groups 14 and 15) showed significant weight loss during the acidic challenge, which was reduced in the case of these materials that included a protective layer applied above. Significant differences were registered with intra-group analysis; weight loss for specimens immersed in Coca Cola at 37 °C was significantly higher for almost all materials tested when compared to specimens exposed to a cooler medium. In conclusion, all the resin composites showed reliable behaviour when exposed to acidic erosion, whereas glass-ionomer cements generally tended to solubilize.

Knowledge and attitudes towards oral and dental health among seventh and eighth grade students compared with their teeth examination.

Oral and dental heath are important aspects of general health and impact the quality of life and well-being. In this study, we aimed to assess the level of knowledge and attitudes towards oral and dental health and to examine the relative effect of social-behavioural risk factors on caries and other teeth problems among seventh and eighth grade students. Study Design: The study population consisted of all seventh and eighth graders who started the 2011 school year in Sarigol village of the Manisa city, Turkey (n = 377). Data were gathered by questionnaires which were carried out before tooth examination. Associations between sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge items, attitudinal factors and number of dental caries, dental fillings and teeth loss were studied. Oral health was worse among females (p=0.002). As the number of children under care increased in the house, the number of dental filling and teeth loss increased in the students (p= 0.001 and p=0.021). Education of mothers of students who had worse dental health was significantly lower compared to the others (p=0.029). Among students who had four and more dental caries and dental fillings, frequency of dentist visit was lower (p= 0.034 and p= 0.005). Among students who had more dental caries, the knowledge that consumption of acidic beverages is not good for oral health was less prevalent (p=0.011). Associations between sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge items, attitudinal factors and number of dental caries, dental fillings and teeth loss were studied using chi-square test. Health authorities should strengthen the implementation of oral disease prevention and oral health promotion programs rather than traditional curative care. Community-oriented education programs for students and their families are crucial for this purpose.

Consumo de bebidas en pré-escolares

Introducción: Los hogares han incorporado masivamente el consumo de bebidas ácidas. El propósito del presente estudio fue determinar en alumnos de un jardín de infantes el patrón de consumo de bebidas de uso frecuente y el estado dentario. Material y métodos: Sobre un total de 53 alumnos de una jardín público, 21 hombres y 32 mujeres con una edad promedio de 3,86(± 0.98DS), se realizó una encuesta a los padres de carácter anónimo, referida a salud general, medidas preventivas educativas y consumo de bebidas. Sobre una muestra de 26 alumnos seleccionados aleatoriamente se realizó examen dentario y se confeccionó ceod, ceos, pérdida de tejido dentario, según Smith y Knight (1984). Se realizó distribución de la frecuencia de las variables de la encuesta; media y ES de los indicadores dentarios y correlación de las variables. Resultados: La distribución de frecuencia mostró: recibe medicamentos 9%, presenta antecedentes de alergia 28%, tiene asma 6%. Los momentos de azúcar x fue de 4,76 ± 0,219 El 19% recibe aplicación tópica de fluoruros, 73% usa pastas fluoradas. El 41% se cepilla 2 veces por día; .Las bebidas preferidas resultaron los jugos, 89%. El 69% gaseosas, 28% bebidas deportivas y un 19% bebidas a base de soja. El consumo antes de dormir era de un 40 %,y el 11% usaba mamadera. El ceod fue de 3.38 ±0,779, con un componente cd de 2,961±0,665 y el ceos de 5 ± 1,708, con un cs de 3,84±1,05. El 81% presentó pérdida de tejido dentario, principalmente o/y Bucal. Conclusión: La escasa aplicación de medidas preventivas, los patrones de consumo de bebidas en edades tempranas y el incremento de las erosiones hace necesario implementar acciones de educación para la salud en las escuelas.

Influence of energy drinks on enamel erosion: In vitro study using different assessment techniques.

BackgroundDental erosion has become a relevant public health problem in recent years and is related to the increase in the consumption of acidic beverages. Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the erosive potential of energy drinks on dental enamel using an in vitro erosion model. Material and MethodsThirty-eight blocks of human enamel were divided into four groups: G1- TNT Energy Drink®(n=8), G2- Red Bull® (n=10), G3- Monster Energy® (n=10), and G4- Coca-Cola® (n=10) (positive control). For the chemical analysis, the pH values, titratable acidity, and buffering capacity of the beverages were measured in triplicate. For the erosive test, the specimens were immersed in the beverages (5ml/block) for 30 minutes at room temperature with gentle shaking. Initial and final surface microhardness values were measured and the percentage of the loss of surface microhardness was calculated. Profilometry (surface loss and lesion depth) and mineral loss analysis (quantitative light-induced fluorescence) were performed. The data were analysed statistically using ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni correction, Pearson’s correlation test, and multiple linear regression (p<0.05). ResultsThe energy drinks had pH values ranging from 2.36 to 3.41. The lowest titratable acidity value was recorded for Monster Energy® and the highest was recorded for TNT Energy Drink®. All energy drinks had buffering capacity values higher than Coca-Cola®. Analysing the eroded enamel surface, the specimens submitted to TNT Energy Drink® had the greatest percentage loss of surface microhardness, surface loss, depth, and mineral loss, followed by those submitted to Red Bull® and Monster Energy®. Surface loss was the only predictor of mineral loss (p<0.001). ConclusionsBased on the study model employed, all the energy drinks examined were erosive to tooth enamel and TNT Energy Drink® had the worst behaviour. Key words:Energy drinks, tooth erosion, tooth demineralisation, hardness tests, quantitative light-induced fluorescence.

Component Analysis of Tooth Surface Caused by Fruit Juice using Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy

Dental erosion is the irreversible loss of dental hard tissue by acids not by bacteria. The prevalence rate of dental erosion is on the rise these days, and the consumption of acidic beverages is recognized as one of the main risk factors. Therefore, in this study, pH of certain commercial fruit juices was measured to determine whether they cause enamel corrosion of teeth, and the changes in calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) were evaluated by quantitative analysis using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). As the pH decreased, the solubility of Ca increased, and as the exposure time increased, the loss of Ca was greater. Ingestion of fruit juice with a low pH affects the risk of dental erosion, and the retention time of the juice in oral cavity should be shortened as long-term contact with the juice may cause the tooth damage.

Consumption of Acidic Beverages is a Predisposing Factor for Erosive Tooth Wear in Preschool Children: A Population-based Study.

<p>Purpose: In a cross-sectional population-based study of 888 5-year-old preschoolers from Teresina, Brazil, to determine the prevalence and factors associated with erosive tooth wear (ETW).<br /> Materials and Methods: In a questionnaire, parents provided information on sociodemographic factors, their children's eating/drinking habits, and oral health. Dental examination was performed at the schools by two calibrated examiners for the diagnosis of ETW, following the criteria of the modified O'Brien Index.<br /> Results: The prevalence of ETW was 3.3%. The maxillary incisors were the most highly affected teeth, followed by the mandibular and maxillary molars. The majority of the lesions reached only the enamel (72.1%) and up to 1/3 of the dental surface (63.1%). The occlusal surface was the most affected (47.8%). Preschoolers who had an acidic food-consumption profile had a 2.74 times (95% CI = 1.03-7.30) higher chance of having ETW than children without this profile.<br /> Conclusion: The prevalence of erosive tooth wear on the deciduous teeth was low and associated with the consumption of acidic beverages.</p>.

Dentin erosion preventive effects of various plant extracts: An in vitro atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and nanoindentation study.

The overall consumption of acidic beverages has become more common, making the prevention and treatment of dental erosion an important consideration. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of various plant extracts in preventing dentin erosion. Seven experimental groups (fluoride-free water, fluoride-containing mouthwash [Colgate Plax], green tea, rosehip, clove, pomegranate, and grape seed) were formed, each consisting of 20 bovine dentin samples. The specimens were exposed daily to demineralization and remineralization cycles three times per day over 5 days through a 5-min plant extract application before each erosive episode. Surface roughness, nanohardness values, and morphological changes on dentin surfaces were examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM), nanoindentation, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman tests (p < .05). There were statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of nanohardness values (p < .05), except for the pomegranate and grape seed groups. The highest nanohardness value was observed in the clove group (1.24 ± 0.34 GPa), whereas the lowest nanohardness value was noted in the grape seed group (0.20 ± 0.04 GPa). The nanohardness values of positive and negative control groups after erosion cycles were statistically higher than the initial nanohardness values (p < .05).There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in surface roughness values (p > .05). Macromolecular deposits were observed both in the SEM and AFM images of the pomegranate, Colgate, and rosehip groups. It can be concluded that the clove extract group is more successful in preventing dentin erosion than the other groups. Green tea is also effective in preventing dentin erosion, similar to clove extract. The application of plant extracts may be a new treatment strategy in preventing dentin erosion. Plant extracts may also reduce the severity of existing dentin erosion. Clove and green tea extracts may present novel natural therapy potential by inhibiting dentin erosion.

Dental erosion in a sample of Valencian children. Prevalence and evaluation of eating habits

Introduction: dental erosion is the pathological, chronic, localized and painless loss of dental tissues, produced by the chemical action of acids, where the action of microorganisms is not involved. In recent years, a significant increase in the prevalence of this pathology has been observed, especially in children and adolescents. Objectives: to determine the prevalence of dental erosion in temporary dentition using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination Index (BEWE) in children between 5 and 12 years of age, and to determine the eating habits that may favor the development of these lesions. Methods: a cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 391 children. A survey was conducted where eating habits were analyzed and a clinical examination of the temporary teeth was performed using the BEWE index. Results: the prevalence of dental erosion in the studied sample was 19.7 %, with mild lesions being most common. Conclusions: in all, 30.62 % of the studied population had a low risk of dental erosion, and risk was seen to increase with consumption of acidic beverages (soft drinks, isotonic drinks and fruit juices) and acidic fruits such as oranges, grapes and apples.

Surface quality and color stability of posterior composites in acidic beverages.

Context:Consumption of acidic beverages has been reported to alter the physical and esthetic properties of resin composites, which in turn can affect clinical success.Aims:This study aimed to evaluate the effect of acidic beverages on surface roughness and color stability of Filtek™ Bulk-Fill posterior restorative composite in comparison with Filtek P60 posterior restorative composite.Settings and Design:Ninety composite discs were used for surface change analysis and another ninety were used for color change analysis.Materials and Methods:Ninety Filtek P60 and Filtek Bulk-Fill composite discs were fabricated and divided into three subgroups according to the solutions – artificial saliva (control group), orange juice, and Coca-Cola® (test groups). The samples were immersed in each beverage for 10 min each day for 56 days. To measure the surface roughness, a profilometer was used, and the surface was qualitatively analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. A reflectance spectrophotometer was used for assessing the color change.Statistical Analysis Used:Two-way analysis of variance was used to compare the surface alteration and color change values between the two composite groups and their respective three subgroups. Tukey's multiple post hoc test was performed for pair-wise comparison.Results:Filtek P60 had exhibited higher color change than Filtek Bulk-Fill in all immersion solutions. Coca-Cola resulted in highest staining in both the composites.Conclusions:The surface roughness and color change of both composites increased significantly in acidic beverages and more in Coca-Cola. Bulk-fill exhibited better surface quality and color stability than P60.

Influence of the consumption of carbonated beverages in the prevalence of dental erosion in young basketball players

Objective: To assess the prevalence of dental erosion among basketball players who report consumption of carbonated beverages. Materials and methods : a cross-sectional study is proposed in a population of 60 basketball players aged 8 to 18 years, who perform physical activity more than 3 times a week and who consume energy drinks more than 3 times a week, without syndromes or systemic disease neither physical or intellectual disability. The participants were examined clinically by a single examiner regarding their upper anterior teeth through BEWE tooth erosion index and also by a questionnaire on knowledge and consumption of acidic beverages. Results : a high prevalence of dental erosion was observed (56.6%) in the evaluated population; 41.67% of participants preferred to consume hydrating drinks after the training day, with a high percen tage of carbonated beverages per day; where 71.67% know the negative effects of the consumption of these drinks. Conclusion : The presence of alterations in dental structure in the evaluated population is high.

In vitro Comparative Study on the Effect of Carbonated Beverages on Dental Enamel

In recent decades, significant worldwide increase in the consumption of acidic beverages, such as soft drinks and fresh fruit extended to all categories of consumers but especially to young people. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the effect of some of the most consumed beverages on dental enamel in order to draw an alarm signal. The study was performed in vitro on 18 extracted teeth. Half of the coronary enamel was covered with a nail polish, then the teeth were submerged in hermetic containers with the most commonly used beverages: Coca Cola, sugar-free Coca Cola, orange juice, red wine, green tea, Red Bull for one hour, one day, 3 days and 7 days. Evaluation of the samples at one hour, one day and 3 days was performed by examination at the optical microscope. After 7 days, the insulating nail polish was removed and the microstructure of the enamel exposed and not exposed to acidic action, was examined under the scanning electronic microscope (SEM). Results showed that because of the high acidity of the beverages used in the study, the surface of the enamel showed prisms changes, structural loss of the enamel, which can lead to cracks and structural disintegration with the reduction of the physical and mechanical properties of the enamel. The results obtained in this in vitro study should be reinterpreted and associated with the in vivo situation where biological factors such as bacterial plaque and saliva buffering capacity are likely to reduce the potential for erosion of beverages. Consequently, enamel erosion may be lower compared to the measurements found in this study.

The relationship between incisal/occlusal wear, dentine hypersensitivity and time after the last acid exposure in vivo

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between tooth wear and dentine hypersensitivity on occlusal/incisal tooth surfaces and the time since dietary acid consumption. Method350 subjects were recruited from hospital and general practice in SE England aged 19–34 years old. The severity of tooth wear and dentine hypersensitivity was calculated on occlusal/incisal tooth surfaces per subject using Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) and Cumulative Hypersensitivity Index (CHI) scores respectively at each appointment. The CHI score relied on evaporative stimuli applied to each occlusal/incisal tooth surface. The subjects were also asked about the time since their last acidic food or drink consumption. ResultTooth wear was recorded in 93% (n=327) of subjects and dentine hypersensitivity was recorded in 56% (n=196) of subjects. A positive statistically significant relationship existed between the severity of tooth wear and severity of dentine hypersensitivity recorded using BEWE and CHI on occlusal/incisal tooth surfaces (p<0.01). Dentine hypersensitivity and tooth wear were correlated with consumption of acidic beverages (p<0.01). The severity of dentine hypersensitivity on occlusal/incisal tooth surfaces was associated with the time since the subject's last acidic food consumption (p<0.01). Among those subjects who consumed an acidic beverage within 60min of their appointment, 87.2% (n=130) had dentine hypersensitivity. Among subjects who had consumed the acidic beverage more than 1h previously, the prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity was 12.8% (n=19). ConclusionThe severity of tooth wear on occlusal/incisal tooth surfaces is associated with the dentine hypersensitivity severity. Subjects who consume dietary acidic beverages more recently are more likely to have dentine hypersensitivity. Clinical significanceOcclusal tooth surfaces suffer erosive, attritive and abrasive tooth wear. Tooth wear is important in the aetiology of dentine hypersensitivity on these surfaces. Dentine hypersensitivity is more likely initiated if subjects consume acidic beverages more recently. This supports clinically the episodic nature of dentine hypersensitivity caused predominately by active erosive tooth wear.

BEVERAGES DRINKING HABITS AND TOOTH SENSITIVITY EXPERIENCE AMONG ADOLESCENT SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

AIM: The recent increase in consumption of acidic beverages is thought to be the leading cause of dental erosion observed among adolescents. The study assessed the drinking habits of Adolescent Secondary School Students and also evaluated their tooth sensitivity experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The survey was conducted among adolescent secondary school students. Purposely, students in boarding hostels were excluded. The sample was selected from twelve public and private secondary schools through the class teachers. RESULTS: 582 questionnaires were analyzed (294 females, 288 males). Soft drinks were the most consumed (97%) beverage, predominantly by females (94.6%). Parents especially the mother mostly consume soft drinks. (78%) pointed out that that “soft drinks are good in between meals” and also 64% indicated that “soft drinks are good for the teeth”. Participants that preferred drinks at normal room temperature experienced the most tooth sensitivity. Majority (42.3%) use straw but the most tooth sensitivity experience (63.3%) associated with long sipping. A statistically significant difference (X=0.252; df=1; p=0.005) in tooth sensitivity experience found between those that swish their drinks and those that did not. CONCLUSION: Soft drinks were the most consumed with a faulty believe that soft drinks are good in-between meals and for the teeth. Tooth sensitivity experience is common with preference for drinks at room temperature and long sipping. Swishing drinks is associated with tooth sensitivity.

Su1102 Juice Test: A Simple Way to Predict Esophageal Clearance and Acid Exposure During Esophageal pH Monitoring

Background: Acidification of esophageal lumen either after gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or consumption of acidic beverages is followed by pH recovery which depends mainly of esophageal motility and saliva swallowing. Compromised esophageal clearance may favor a longer contact of gastric juice after GER episodes. In the light of this, swallowing orange juice during esophageal pH monitoring might be used as a simple test to predict esophageal clearance and acid exposure. Aims: To assess whether a juice test can predict esophageal clearance and acid exposure in patients who were referred for esophageal pH monitoring. Methods: Patients referred for GERD investigation with standard pH monitoring were invited to perform a juice test in the beginning of the procedure. After positioning a pH sensor in the distal esophagus, patients in sitting position were instructed to swallow orange juice (pH 2.5) as follows: an initial swallow of 10 ml with simultaneous monitoring of pH drop, followed by five rapid multiple swallows of juice after recovery of pH to 5 from the initial swallow. In the following day the pH catheter was removed and tracings analyzed. Esophageal pH drop after multiple swallows of juice was analyzed to calculate (1) delta5 in mol.s.dm3, i.e. area above the curve between pH drop from 5 to pH recovery to 5; (2) absolute pH drop; and (3) duration in seconds from pH drop to recovery to 5. Results: The juice test was well tolerated by all patients. Among 59 patients, 5 (8%) were excluded due to the occurrence of acid GER during pH recovery after multiple swallows. Fifty-four patients composed the final study population (40.2 ± 15 years old, 61% women). After analysis of pH monitoring, there were 29 patients (54%) with increased total acid exposure (> 4.2%) and 25 patients with normal acid exposure. Baseline pH before multiple swallows did not differ between these groups (5.1 ± 0.6 vs. 5 ± 0.5; P = 0.612). Delta5 was higher in patients with increased acid exposure (33.5 ± 20.9 vs. 17.2 ± 8.2; P < 0.001). These patients also showed higher values for absolute pH drop (2.2 ± 0.6 vs. 1.7 ± 0.6; P = 0.030) and delayed pH recovery [median (IQR25-75%): 270 sec (207-550) vs. 200 (127-310); P = 0.044] than those with normal acid exposure. Conclusions: Our data suggest that a juice test with calculation of delta5 can be a simple way to predict esophageal clearance and acid exposure in patients investigated for GERD with esophageal pH monitoring. Further studies using impedance-pH technology are needed to evaluate the performance of juice test in the prediction of pathological GER.

Risico van erosie door dranken in schoolkantines

The consumption of acidic beverages may cause dental erosion. The consumption of such beverages during school hours may contribute to the development of erosion. In order to study the extent to which children of secondary schools are exposed to potentially erosive beverages, 43 locations in 37 schools in the Netherlands were visited. In each school, all available types of beverages were registered and classified as non-erosive or potentially erosive. In addition, the number of students, type of school, opening times of the canteens and the number of vending machines were recorded. It was revealed that a wide variety of beverages is available in school canteens, of which a large number are potentially erosive (71.8 +/- 12.9%). The number of different products available, the number of different beverages available and the number of potentially erosive drinks all correlated with the number of students per school, but not with the type of education. The number of drinks available and the number of potentially erosive drinks correlated with the opening hours of the canteens and the number of vending machines.

Continuous Monitoring of Salivary Flow Rate and pH at the Surface of the Dentition following Consumption of Acidic Beverages

Use of a splint-mounted flexible pH electrode has allowed reliable continuous monitoring of pH at the surface of the dentition whilst still enabling subjects to drink normally. pH was monitored at the palatal upper left central incisor and upper right first permanent molar sites after drinking 1% (w/v) citric acid. A maximal decrease in pH to values of 2-3 was observed after 1 min followed by a slower recovery which was above pH 5.5 within 2 min at the former site and in 4-5 min at the latter site. A sharp rise in parotid saliva flow rate was seen at 1 min after drinking the same concentration of citric acid by glass, straw or feeder cup, which returned to resting levels within 6 min although the fall-off of flow rate was slower with the feeder cup. Thus, after dietary acid intake the pH at the surface of the dentition is below the critical pH for enamel dissolution for shorter periods than previously suggested, which is probably a reflection of salivary neutralisation and washing.

Some effects of sugar-flavored acid beverages on the biochemistry of human whole saliva and dental plaque.

An investigation was made of the effects on some biochemical characteristics of human whole saliva and dental plaque resulting from the daily consumption of three commercial, acid-containing beverages. The beverages tested were a cola beverage ("Coca-Cola"), a carbonated orange drink ("Jaffa") and single strength orange juice. Each of the three test beverages as well as non-fluoridated tap water as a control, were consumed during four two-week periods. The test group consisted of 39 dental students. The mean consumption frequency lay in the range from 5.3 to 5.7 times per day. Orange juice was found to stimulate the salivary secretion rate most. All test drinks decreased the salivary pH immediately after consumption, but the pH did not generally drotase-like activity in oral fluid. Changes were observed in calcium, phosphate and fluoride concentrations in oral fluid samples, but these were due to variations in salivary secretion rate. A significant decrease in redox potentials of whole saliva was, however, observed after consumption of the drinks. The present results indicate that in healthy persons with normal saliva flow rate and buffer capacity the moderate consumption of acidic beverages failed to induce any remarkable caries-promoting changes in oral cavity. However, in persons with low salivary flow rate erosion may be a consequence of regular consumption.