Year : 2021

Volume : Volume 12

Issue : Issue 5

Address for correspondence :
Dr. V. Pranitha
pranithavallala@gmail.com

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the microhardness and surface enamel changes on exposure to carbonated drinks and fruit juice. Methods: The study comprised 15 primary teeth which were cleaned with slurry of pumice and stored in deionized water. The roots were removed and the crown was cut from the distal, mesial, buccal, and lingual side. The specimens were divided into four groups according to type of beverage. Beverages used in this study are carbonated drinks (Coca Cola and Sprite) and fruit juice (Tropicana orange). Artificial saliva was used as control. All the specimens of the three groups were exposed to acid for 5 min at room temperature twice a day at 10 am and 1 pm for 5 days. After exposure, sectioned specimens were mounted and viewed under scanning electron microscope (SEM) for any surface enamel changes and were subjected to microhardness tests with Vickers diamond indenter. Results: Parametric test, one-way analysis of variance with post hoc Games-Howell test was used for statistical analysis. A significant reduction in microhardness was found in all groups exposed to carbonated beverages and fruit juice. All beverages used showed varying amounts of enamel dissolution as verified by SEM. Conclusions: There was a definite reduction in microhardness in all groups exposed to carbonated beverages and fruit juice. The lowest mean microhardness score was observed for orange juice and highest for sprite. Fruit juices containing citric acid were more aggressive than carbonated drinks which contain phosphoric acid. Keywords: Beverages, Dental Erosion, Microhardness