Comparison of the Erosive Potential of Commercially Available Beverages on Human Enamel: An in vitro Study

Objective: To assess and compare the erosive potential of commercially available beverages and to evaluate the relationship between mineral loss and physiochemical properties (pH and titratable acidity) of different beverages. Material and Methods: Seven commercially available beverages [4 soft drinks, 1 chlorhexidine mouthwash and 2 controls (Amul milk and human saliva)] were tested. The pH and tritratable acidity of the beverages was determined. Fifty-six human premolars were sectioned into enamel and root surface (total 112 specimens) by using diamond-cutting machine. The specimens were immersed in each beverage for 24-hour intervals at 37 0 C. The weight loss of the specimens and mineral loss (calcium, phosphorus and fluoride) was determined at pre and post immersion and was subjected to statistical analysis at p<0.05 level of significance. Results: All beverages included in this were acidic. Nimbooz exhibited significant (p<0.05) weight loss compared to all other beverages. Fanta shows significantly (p<0.05) high loss of phosphorus and calcium for enamel and root surface respectively. There was a week correlation with pH and tritratable acidity and loss of minerals. Conclusion: The erosive potential of Fanta and Nimbooz was significant compared to other beverages. However, it must be considered that there are numerous factors, which may influence the erosion rate in the intra oral environment; hence the result of this in vitro study should be applied with caution.