Methods: Six non-carbonated soft drinks were chosen based on their popularity and variation in compositional parameters. These were: Ribena ‘Toothkind' Blackcurrant drink, Robinsons Apple ‘Fruitshoot' drink, Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice, Capri Sun Orange drink, Tesco Apple Juice, Tropicana Orange Juice. 72 enamel samples were prepared and divided into two groups (Groups A and B). Group A samples were exposed to soft drinks at 36°C for 8 consecutive 10 minute periods. Group B samples were subjected to alternating erosion and toothbrushing steps. The sequence of erosion-abrasion was repeated 8 times. Measurements of enamel loss were made using a non-contact optical profilometer.
Results: Group A: A one-way ANOVA showed that there were statistically significant differences between erosion by the different drinks (á=0.05, p<0.001). Erosion was affected by pH and calcium and phosphate concentrations.
Group B: A one-way ANOVA showed that there were statistically significant differences between material loss due to erosion and abrasion by the different drinks (á=0.05, p<0.001). Abrasion after erosion caused additional material loss for all drinks. The amount of material loss due to abrasion was a function of the eroding drink and was a function of pH, calcium, phosphate, and titratable acidity.
Conclusion: Enamel loss by erosion is exacerbated by subsequent abrasion. The amount of softened enamel removed by toothbrushing is a function of the chemical composition of the erosive medium. Clinically it is important, after consumption of soft drinks, to allow time for remineralisation by saliva before brushing teeth.
This research was supported by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare.