The effect of sugar-sweetened carbonated soda and carbonated mineral water on the salivary pH value

Abstract

Introduction. Saliva plays an important role in maintaining oral health. Its buffer capacity helps neutralise acidic products from food, drinks and dental plaque. Saliva composition, quantitative and qualitative properties, such as acidity, are associated with the occurrence of dental caries, non-carious lesions and periodontitis. The aim of the study was to examine the change in salivary acidity after taking carbonated mineral water and sugar-sweetened carbonated soda in subjects aged 18 to 25 years. Materials and method. The study research was conducted at the Dentistry Clinic of Vojvodina on 30 adult subjects. Salivary acidity was measured with a digital pH meter before, and 5, 10 and 20 minutes after taking 200 ml of carbonated mineral water and 200 ml of sugar-sweetened carbonated soda. The obtained results were statistically processed by mixed, combined analysis of variance. Results. Consumption of carbonated mineral water and sugar-sweetened carbonated soda led to a change in salivary acidity in the examined time intervals. Carbonated mineral water reduced the salivary acidity, and after 20 minutes the acidity recovers reaching levels close to the initial pH value. After taking sugar-sweetened carbonated soda, the salivary pH value dropped. It reached the lowest mean value 5 and 10 minutes after taking the beverage, and then increased slightly without reaching the initial value. In some subjects, the minimum value of the salivary pH obtained was below the value considered critical for the occurrence of enamel and dentin demineralisation. Conclusion. Carbonated mineral water and sugar-sweetened carbonated soda affected the salivary pH value within a period of 20 minutes after consumption. Consuming sugar-sweetened carbonated soda can have adverse effects on oral health.