Helena Salgado

In vitro evaluation of the effect of soft drinks on dental erosion

Article history: Received 31 March 2017 Accepted 30 September 2017 Available online 25 October 2017 Objective: The relationship between the exposure to Coca-Cola®, Fanta® Orange and Lipton® Ice Tea® Lemon and dental erosion over time was assessed, as well as the possible existence of differences in their erosive potential. Methods: Ninety-six samples were randomly assigned in equal numbers to four groups: Coca-Cola®, Fanta® Orange, Lipton® Ice Tea Lemon and a control group. Cycles of demineralization/remineralization were performed under stirring for 5 minutes, 3 times daily, for 30 days. Cuts of approximately 100-150 μm in thickness were made in the display window with a hard tissue microtome and the samples were analyzed under a light microscope. The depth of demineralization was measured. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and U-Mann-Whitney tests. A significance level of 0.05 was used. Results: All groups, except for the control, promoted wear on tooth surfaces. Coca-Cola®, over time, caused the greatest loss of tooth structure. The differences between the three drinks at day 30 were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: The consumption of the three drinks, over time, caused loss of tooth structure, incrementally. There were no differences in the erosive potential of the soft drinks studied after a 30-day exposure period. (Rev Port Estomatol Med Dent Cir Maxilofac. 2017;58(3):139 -145)