In vivo rehardening of enamel eroded by a cola drink

ASDC J Dent Child. 2001 Mar-Apr;68(2):122-4, 142.

Abstract

There are many concerns about the erosive effects of acidic beverages. In this study, the effects of Pepsi-Cola (pH 2.41) on bovine enamel and the rehardening effect resulting from intraoral exposure of the teeth were determined by microhardness testing (Vicker's Hardness Number). Bovine enamel specimens (VHN 380.00 +/- 12.74) were immersed in 100 ml of Pepsi-Cola for five minutes and subsequently exposed to human intraoral environment through the use of a removable resin plate. Microhardness testing was performed on specimens after one hour, twenty-four hours and forty-eight hours of exposure to an intraoral environment. The microhardness value was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by the cola beverage (VHN 262.13 +/- 20.34), and significantly (p < 0.05) increased after intraoral exposure for one hour (VHN 299.75 +/- 26.86) and twenty-four hours (VHN 328.00 +/- 18.70). The difference in the microhardness between the twenty-four-hour group and the forty-eight-hour group (VHN 333.50 +/- 15.13) was not significant (p > 0.05). The microhardness value of the forty-eight-hour group was significantly less than the values recorded during the initial pre-study measurements p < 0.05).

MeSH terms

  • Acids
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Carbonated Beverages / adverse effects*
  • Cattle
  • Dental Enamel / physiopathology*
  • Dental Enamel Solubility / physiology
  • Female
  • Hardness
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Saliva / physiology
  • Time Factors
  • Tooth Erosion / physiopathology*
  • Tooth Remineralization*

Substances

  • Acids