Erosive potential of vitamin waters, herbal drinks, carbonated soft drinks, and fruit juices on human teeth: An in vitro investigation

BACKGROUND. Dental erosion is the loss of dental hard tissues through the acid dissolution of tooth minerals. One of the major factors that cause erosion is the consumption of acidic food and drinks. This study investigated and compared the effect of vitamin waters, herbal beverages, carbonated soft drinks, and fruit juices on the loss of human dental hard tissue. METHODS. Human tooth samples were immersed in various drinks: vitamin waters, herbal beverages, carbonated soft drinks, and fruit juices. The pH value of each drink was measured using a pH meter. The weight of each sample was determined before and after six days of immersion in the tested drink, and the weight loss percentage was calculated. The exposed tooth surfaces were also examined under a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS. Most of the tested drinks were acidic and displayed pH values lower than the critical pH for enamel erosion. Significant weight loss of the tooth samples was found in all tested drink groups. Additionally, the samples immersed in fruit juices and herbal beverages exhibited significantly greater weight loss than those immersed in carbonated soft drinks. Scanning electron micrographs showed samples immersed in the tested drinks to demonstrate structural disintegration with occasional void spaces, except for samples immersed in Doi Kham(®) Lemongrass drink. CONCLUSION. Most of the tested drinks have the potential to cause dissolution and destruction of dental hard tissues. Consumers should be aware that prolonged exposure to these drinks could lead to permanent loss of tooth mineral and dental erosion.