In vitro erosive effects of soft drinks on dental enamel

Objective: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the erosive effects of four soft drinks and tap water as a control on enamel surface morphology using light microscopy. Method: Four test beverages (Coca Cola, bottled orange juice, Burn High-energy drink, Nesquick Chocolate milk) and tap water as control were used in the study. The initially pH of each beverage was measured using a pH meter. Crowns of extracted 35 human permanent molars were used. Enamel specimen blocks were prepared by sectioning the crowns in bucco-lingual direction .The enamel sections were then embedded in acrylic resin. Half of the enamel surface was sealed with a nail varnish while the other half was left unsealed so that the enamel could be exposed to test beverages. Each specimen were immersed in individual containers for a total of 14 days and stored at 37° C. The beverages were changed daily. The specimens were evaluated for enamel changes using a stereo microscope. Results: Except Nesquick the other test beverages caused erosive effects on dental enamel specimens. The most striking surface morphological changes was found in Burn. Conclusion: Dentists need to be aware of the damaging effects of these soft drinks and advise their patients about the frequency of soft drink consumption.