Dental erosion among South Brazilian adolescents: A 2.5-year longitudinal study

Intraoral scanner-based monitoring of tooth wear in young adults: 36-month results

OBJECTIVES

The study continues our longitudinal observation of wear aiming to further monitoring of progression and lesion morphology and to identify relationships with assumed aetiological factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Molars (FDI #36 or #46) of 74 participants (23.8 ± 2.2 years) were scanned (Trios 3, 3Shape) at the third follow-up (T3; observation period 1,111 ± 10 days). Data sets from T3, T2 (24-month follow-up) and T1 (12-month follow-up) were superimposed with baseline in a 3D analysis software (GOM Inspect). Wear was quantified as maximum vertical tissue loss (µm; median, 95% CI) in various occlusal areas (4/5 cusps and 2 ridges). Morphologies were classified into cupping (C), facet (F), and combined cupping-facet (CF). Aetiological factors were assessed with questionnaires.

RESULTS

Wear increased at T3 significantly at low rates in all areas of the occlusal surface (median between 7.0 (4.0;10.5) and 9.5 (6.0;15.0) µm). There was a clear trend for higher loss values in males, but no association with other factors such as nutrition. C and CF showed significantly higher loss values than F. Areas without initial wear developed F first, which either persisted or developed into C and CF.

CONCLUSIONS

Wear continued at low rates with C/CF morphology and sex as significant factors. Cupped lesions seem to develop from facets and thus may not be a valid diagnostic criterion for erosive tooth wear.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Wear is a cumulative process that apparently follows complex mechanisms that cannot be conceptualized in simplified terms; C and CF may be indicators for higher progression rates.

Anamnestic risk factors for erosive tooth wear: Systematic review, mapping, and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Erosive tooth wear is a multifactorial condition. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify key risk factors for erosive tooth wear in permanent dentition.

STUDY SELECTION

Observational studies reporting anamnestic risk factors for erosive tooth wear. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale for cross-sectional studies. Risk factors were visually presented in a heatmap, and where possible, random-effects meta-analyses were performed for the odds ratios (ORs) of risk factors.

SOURCES

Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science) and manual searches in February 2023. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD4202339776).

DATA

A total of 87 publications reporting on 71 studies were included in the systematic review. The studies examined a variety of anamnestic risk factors (n = 80) that were categorized into ten domains (socio-demographics, socio-economics, general health, oral diseases, medication, oral hygiene, food, beverages, dietary habits, and leisure-related risk factors). Meta-analyses revealed significant associations between erosive tooth wear and male gender (padj.<0.001; OR=1.30, 95 % CI: 1.16-1.44), regurgitation (padj.=0.033; OR=2.27, 95 % CI: 1.41-3.65), digestive disorders (padj.<0.001; OR=1.81, 95 % CI: 1.48-2.21), consumption of acidic foods (padj.=0.033; OR=2.40, 95 % CI: 1.44-4.00), seasoning sauces (padj.=0.003; OR=1.28, 95 % CI: 1.13-1.44), nutritional supplements (padj.=0.019; OR=1.73, 95 % CI: 1.28-2.35), and carbonated drinks (padj.=0.019; OR=1.43, 95 % CI: 1.17-1.75). Most included studies exhibited low bias risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Observational studies investigated a variety of anamnestic risk factors for erosive tooth wear. Future studies should employ validated questionnaires, particularly considering the most important risk factors.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Erosive tooth wear is a prevalent condition. Clinicians should concentrate primarily on symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and dietary factors when screening patients at risk for erosive tooth wear.

Risk factors of tooth wear in permanent dentition: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Tooth wear (TW) prevalence is high and increasing and has important consequences on the patient's quality of life. Knowledge of risk factors is crucial to promote diagnosis, prevention strategies and timely interceptive treatment. Many studies have identified TW risk factors.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review aims to map and describe suspected available factors associated with TW in permanent dentition based on quantitative measurement.

METHODS

The scoping review was conducted using the PRISMA extension of the Scoping Reviews checklist. The search was conducted in October 2022 from the Medline® (PubMed® interface) and Scopus® databases. Two independent reviewers selected and characterised the studies.

RESULTS

2702 articles were identified for assessment of titles and abstracts, and 273 articles were included in the review. The results show a need to standardise TW measurement indices and the study design. The included studies highlighted various factors, classified into nine domains: sociodemographic factors, medical history, drinking habits, eating habits, oral hygiene habits, dental factors, bruxism and temporomandibular disorders, behavioural factors, and stress. Results related to chemical TW (erosion) risk factors underline the importance of eating disorders, gastroesophageal reflux and lifestyle, particularly drinking and eating behaviours, which supports developing public health information campaigns and interventions. Besides chemical, this review identifies evidence of several mechanical TW risk factors, such as toothbrushing and bruxism; the influence of this last factor needs to be further explored.

CONCLUSIONS

TW management and prevention require a multidisciplinary approach. Dentists are in the first line to detect associated diseases such as reflux or eating disorders. Consequently, practitioners' information and guideline diffusion should be promoted, and a TW risk factors checklist (the ToWeR checklist) is proposed to help diagnostic approaches.

Intraoral scanner-based monitoring of tooth wear in young adults: 24-month results

OBJECTIVES

Tooth wear causes irreversible cumulated surface loss and already occurs at a young age. Therefore, the objective of this clinical prospective observational study was to monitor the occlusal surface of a mandibular first molar in young adults for a period of 24 months. Furthermore, potential aetiological factors obtained by a questionnaire were considered.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study teeth (FDI #36 or #46) of 81 participants (mean age 22.8 ± 2.2 years) were scanned with the intraoral scanner (IOS, Trios 3, 3Shape) at the second follow-up (T2) after an observation period of 24 months. Standard-tessellation-language datasets were superimposed with baseline (T0) and T2 scans in 3D analysis software (GOM Inspect). The maximum vertical substance loss was measured between T0 and T2 at 6/7 areas (4/5 cusps and 2 ridges) of each study tooth and data compared to the already published data of the first follow-up (T1) after 12-month observation period. The morphology of tooth wear was classified into three groups: cupping (C), facet (F) and combined cupping-facet (CF). The analysis of aetiological factors, such as acid impacts, was based on a questionnaire filled out by participants at time points T0, T1 and T2. Non-parametric tests were used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The buccal load-bearing cusps (mesiobuccal: median 15 μm, 95%CI 11/18 μm; mesiolingual 8 μm, 0/11 μm) were most affected by tooth wear. Loss values increased significantly at T2 compared to T1 for all areas, although significantly less than in the first 12 months (T0-T1). Areas that already exhibited F at T0 mostly displayed them also at T2 and only rarely developed further into C or CF. The only association between aetiological factors and loss values could be detected for sex as males had significantly higher loss values than females.

CONCLUSIONS

Progression of tooth wear could be clearly shown with high interindividual variations in loss values among participants. This indicates the need for individual monitoring with IOS.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

IOSs show the potential for patient-specific monitoring to detect the progression of tooth wear. Thus, data of 24 months fills the gap of tooth wear data for young adults in literature. Further studies over a longer observation period are highly recommended to gain more information about the dynamic of tooth wear and aetiological factors.

Crown Reconstruction of Erosive Wear Using High-viscosity Glass Ionomer Cement: A Case Report

The aim of this clinical report is to present a possible alternative treatment, with 24-month follow-up, for restoring tooth loss due to extensive erosive tooth wear. A 21-year-old male patient, complaining of intense sensitivity in the maxillary posterior teeth, and presenting severe wear on maxillary premolar and molar teeth due to gastroesophageal reflux, sought care in the university clinics. The planned treatment was to refer for medical treatment and perform restorations with the high-viscosity glass ionomer cement Equia Forte (GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan), aiming to restore the dental anatomy and to consequently decrease the pain symptomatology. A silicone guide, obtained from a diagnostic waxing, was used during the restorative approach considering the patient's occlusion. After all the clinical steps of the restorative technique, an occlusal adjustment of restorations was performed. During monthly recalls up to 24 months, the treatment was stable and in service. In addition, the patient reported no pain and improved chewing, leading to a better quality of life.

The Suitability of Questionnaires for Exploring Relations of Dietary Behavior and Tooth Wear

Tooth wear is a relevant oral health problem, especially at a young age. Although ongoing acid exposures may contribute to tooth wear, the role of acidic dietary components in this context remains unclear. To date, in tooth wear studies, dietary behavior has been assessed using traditional questionnaires, but the suitability of this approach has not been investigated so far. In our longitudinal study, we followed 91 participants (21.0 ± 2.2 years) over a period of 1 year (373 ± 19 days) and monitored tooth wear with an intraoral scanner. At baseline (T0) and at the end (T1), we assessed dietary behavior with questionnaires asking about the consumption frequencies of acidic dietary components and the acid taste preferences. Complete data were available from 80 subjects. The consumption frequencies of T0 and T1 correlated weakly to moderately. Taste preferences seem to be a more consistent measure, but there was predominantly no significant correlation with the corresponding consumption frequencies. None of the dietary parameters showed a significant relation with tooth wear. The suitability of dietary questionnaires to assess tooth-relevant dietary behavior seems to be limited.

S-PRG-based composites erosive wear resistance and the effect on surrounding enamel

This study evaluated Surface Pre-Reacted Glass-ionomer (S-PRG)-based-composites' surface resistance against erosive wear and their protective effect on surrounding enamel. Bovine enamel was randomized into 12 groups (n = 10/group) [erosion (e) or erosion + abrasion (a)]: nanohybrid-S-PRG-based composite (SPRGe/SPRGa), nanohybrid-S-PRG-based bulk-fill (SPRGBFe/SPRGBFa), nanoparticle-composite (RCe/RCa), nanohybrid-bulk-fill (BFe/BFa), Glass Hybrid Restorative System (GHRSe/GHRSa), and resin-modified glass-ionomer-cement (RMGICe/RMGICa). Cavities were prepared and restored. Initial profile assessment was performed on material and on adjacent enamel at distances of 100, 200, 300, 600, and 700 μm from margin. Specimens were immersed in citric acid (2 min; 6×/day for 5 days) for erosion. Erosion + abrasion groups were brushed for 1 min after erosion. Final profile assessment was performed. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey-test showed: for erosion, the GHRSe and RMGICe presented greater material wear compared to the other groups (p = 0.001); up to 300 μm away from restoration, GHRSe and SPRGBFe were able to prevent enamel loss compared to RMGICe and other composite groups (p = 0.001). For erosion + abrasion, none of the materials exhibited a significant protective effect and S-PRG-based groups showed lower wear than RMGICa and GHRSa, and higher wear than composites (p = 0.001). S-PRG-based-composites can diminish surrounding enamel loss only against erosion alone, similarly to GIC, with advantage of being a more resistant material.

Influence of energy drinks on enamel erosion: In vitro study using different assessment techniques

Background

Dental erosion has become a relevant public health problem in recent years and is related to the increase in the consumption of acidic beverages. Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the erosive potential of energy drinks on dental enamel using an in vitro erosion model.

Material and Methods

Thirty-eight blocks of human enamel were divided into four groups: G1- TNT Energy Drink®(n=8), G2- Red Bull® (n=10), G3- Monster Energy® (n=10), and G4- Coca-Cola® (n=10) (positive control). For the chemical analysis, the pH values, titratable acidity, and buffering capacity of the beverages were measured in triplicate. For the erosive test, the specimens were immersed in the beverages (5ml/block) for 30 minutes at room temperature with gentle shaking. Initial and final surface microhardness values were measured and the percentage of the loss of surface microhardness was calculated. Profilometry (surface loss and lesion depth) and mineral loss analysis (quantitative light-induced fluorescence) were performed. The data were analysed statistically using ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni correction, Pearson’s correlation test, and multiple linear regression (p<0.05).

Results

The energy drinks had pH values ranging from 2.36 to 3.41. The lowest titratable acidity value was recorded for Monster Energy® and the highest was recorded for TNT Energy Drink®. All energy drinks had buffering capacity values higher than Coca-Cola®. Analysing the eroded enamel surface, the specimens submitted to TNT Energy Drink® had the greatest percentage loss of surface microhardness, surface loss, depth, and mineral loss, followed by those submitted to Red Bull® and Monster Energy®. Surface loss was the only predictor of mineral loss (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Based on the study model employed, all the energy drinks examined were erosive to tooth enamel and TNT Energy Drink® had the worst behaviour.

Key words:Energy drinks, tooth erosion, tooth demineralisation, hardness tests, quantitative light-induced fluorescence.

The association between erosive tooth wear and diet, hygiene habits and health awareness in adolescents aged 15 in Poland

Purpose

The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of erosive tooth wear (ETW) and risk indicators in the population of adolescents aged 15 in Poland.

Methods

Erosive tooth wear in 2639 participants was determined by calibrated examiners according to the BEWE scoring system, and the prevalence of risk factors was assessed on the basis of a survey.

Results

Erosive tooth wear was reported in 24.3% of participants. Initial loss of surface (BEWE 1) was the predominant finding, observed in 21.3% of participants. Hard tissue loss (BEWE 2 and 3) occurred very rarely, only in 3% of participants. Acidic diet, masculine gender and lower socio-economic status were associated with higher prevalence and severity of erosive lesions in the examined population.

Conclusion

Two modifiable factors—acidic diet and low health awareness—were found to be highly unsatisfactory in the adolescents aged 15 in Poland. Accordingly, to prevent the deterioration of the functionality and aesthetics of the teeth in young people, certain measures, such as routine clinical examination, education, dietary consulting and prophylaxis, should be implemented as early as possible, focusing predominantly on families with lower socio-economic status.

Tooth wear and socioeconomic status in childhood and adulthood: Findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association and level of evidence between socioeconomic status (SES) and tooth wear (TW) in children, adolescents, and adults.

DATA

Eligibility criteria comprised population-based observational studies assessing the association between SES and TW in permanent dentition of adolescents and adults. Interventional and descriptive studies or those without an internal comparison between exposed and nonexposed groups were excluded. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were applied where applicable. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the pooled effect measures. Q-statistic, I²statistic, subgroup and sensitivity analyses assessed study heterogeneity.

SOURCES

PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles published in English between 1st January 1980 and 31st March 2021.

RESULTS

Sixty-five studies were included, involving 63,893 participants in over 30 countries. A positive association was found between TW and education (OR=1.25 [0.96; 1.62]), family income (OR=1.18 [0.91; 1.53]), and private school (OR= 1.24 [0.90; 1.72]) among adolescents. Higher educated adults had a lower risk for TW (OR=0.70 [0.52; 0.93]). Most included studies had a moderate RoB. Limitations relating to population representation and assessment methodologies were identified in the included studies.

CONCLUSIONS

SES was associated with TW with its direction depending on the individuals' age. The overall quality of evidence was moderate.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANC

SES should be included as part of the routine screening and risk assessment for tooth wear.

Comparative Evaluation of Resin Dentin Interface using Universal and Total- Etch Adhesive Systems on Sound and Eroded Dentin: In Vitro Study

Objective This study aimed to compare the resin-dentin interface of sound and eroded dentin using universal and total-etch adhesive systems.

Materials and Methods Forty caries-free extracted human premolars were collected, and the occlusal surfaces were ground by using slow speed diamond disc with copious water supply until a flat superficial dentin was exposed. The test group underwent erosive cycle (n = 20), and another group (n = 20) was reserved for control group. Erosive protocol consisted of immersion in 1.23% citric acid for 1 minute every 12 hours and stored in artificial saliva. Both the control and eroded teeth were further subdivided (n = 10) for composite restoration by using either self-etch or total-etch systems. Then the tooth samples were sectioned longitudinally and observed under confocal laser scanning microscope at ×10 magnification to evaluate resin tag length and hybrid layer thickness.

Statistical Analysis The data obtained were analyzed by using independent t-test.

Results The highest mean value of the resin tag length and thickness of hybrid layer was observed with total-etch system in sound dentin group compared with other groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusion The resin-dentin interface of sound dentin was found to be better than eroded dentin by using total-etch system. The resin-dentin interface of eroded dentin was superior to sound dentin by using self-etch adhesive system.

Enamel erosion control by strontium-containing TiO2- and/or MgO-doped phosphate bioactive glass

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of strontium-containing titanium- and/or magnesium-doped phosphate bioactive glass on the control of dental erosion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty fragments of human enamel were divided into five groups: negative control, 45S5 bioglass, strontium-containing Ti-doped phosphate bioactive glass (PBG-Ti), strontium-containing Mg-doped phosphate bioactive glass (PBG-Mg), and strontium-containing Ti- and Mg-doped phosphate bioactive glass (PBG-TiMg). The specimens underwent cycles of erosive challenge twice daily for 5 days with 1 mL of citric acid for 2 min followed by 1 mL of the suspension with bioactive substances for 3 min. After the cycles, profilometry, roughness and microhardness testing, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed. The following statistical tests were used: one-way ANOVA (profile, roughness, and surface microhardness (%VMS) data variation), Tukey's HSD (%VMS), Games-Howell test (profilometry), Student's t test (roughness), and Pearson's correlation between the variables.

RESULTS

The lower loss of enamel surface and lower %VMS was observed in the PBG-Mg and PBG-TiMg groups, and only the PBG-Mg group showed similar roughness between baseline and eroded areas (p > 0.05). On SEM micrographs, PBG-Ti and PBG-Mg groups showed lower apparent demineralization.

CONCLUSION

All bioactive materials protected the enamel against erosion. However, strontium-containing phosphate bioactive glasses showed lower enamel loss, and the presence of Mg in these bioactive glasses provided a greater protective effect.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Experimental strontium-containing phosphate bioactive glasses are effective in controlling enamel erosion. The results obtained in this study will guide the development of new dental products.

Intraoral scanner-based monitoring of tooth wear in young adults: 12-month results

OBJECTIVES

To investigate tooth wear in young adults, intraoral scanning was used for digital monitoring of the mandibular first molar over 12 months. A possible influence of aetiological factors obtained by a questionnaire on tooth wear was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 109 participants (mean age at the start of the study: 21.0 ± 2.2 years) were included in this clinical study. At baseline (T0), an intraoral scan (Trios 3, 3Shape) of the study tooth (FDI # 36 or #46) was conducted. After a mean observation period of 373 ± 19 days, a second intraoral scan (T1, n = 94) of the same tooth as at T0 was performed and standard tessellation language datasets were superimposed with 3D analysis software (GOM Inspect). The occlusal surface of the study tooth was divided into 7 areas (5 cusps, 2 ridges) and maximum vertical substance loss was measured between T0 and T1 (n = 91). Three types of tooth wear were defined: cupping (C), facet (F) and combined cupping-facet (CF). Furthermore, a questionnaire on aetiological factors, such as dietary behaviour, was filled out at T0. Data were analysed with non-parametric tests (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Only one study tooth exhibited no tooth wear at T0, whereas 3 teeth showed C, 47 teeth F and 40 teeth CF. A progression of vertical substance loss for all three types was shown. Most affected were the mesiobuccal cusps (43, 38/47 µm; median, 95%CI) followed by distobuccal (36, 33/39 µm), mesiolingual (35, 26/40 µm), distolingual (34, 27/36 µm) and distal (31, 25/34 µm). On mesial and distal ridges, only F was detected with the lowest vertical substance loss of all areas (mesial ridge: 0, 0/0 µm; distal ridge: 0, 0/0 µm). An association between aetiological factors and loss values could not be shown.

CONCLUSIONS

All study teeth showed clear signs of wear, and after only 1 year, further substance loss was detectable. This result is of significance for young adults.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Since data of young adults regarding tooth wear are scarce, the results give a first idea of the amount of vertical loss per year and its relation to aetiological factors such as dietary behaviour. Therefore, further studies over a longer observation period are highly recommended.

A systematic review of dietary acids and habits on dental erosion in adolescents

BACKGROUND

Dental erosion is the dissolution of dental hard tissues caused by acids of a non-bacterial origin. Dietary acids are considered the predominant and most controllable factor.

AIM

To synthesise the literature on the effects of dietary acids and habits on dental erosion in the permanent dentition of 10- to 19-year-old adolescents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An electronic literature search was undertaken in Cochrane, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source via EBSCOhost, and Embase with no restriction on the date of publication.

RESULTS

The initial search identified 449 articles, and 338 remained after removal of duplicates. Seventy-seven articles remained after screening of titles and abstracts, and 52 were eligible for the full-text review. A considerable variety of beverages, food, and dietary habits were reported as risk factors for dental erosion. The most consistent findings implicated the erosive potential of carbonated beverages and the consumption of acidic drinks at bedtime.

CONCLUSIONS

Although results were not consistent between cohort and cross-sectional studies, this review suggests certain dietary risk factors may contribute to dental erosion in adolescents. There is a need for more high-quality cohort studies to establish more conclusive evidence on the role of dietary acids and habits on dental erosion.

Effect of different citrus sweets on the development of enamel erosion in vitro

The increased consumption of citrus sweets can contribute to the development of erosive tooth wear (ETW).

The use of fluoride for the prevention of dental erosion and erosive tooth wear in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Erosive tooth wear (ETW) has gained increasing clinical relevance. It is estimated that worldwide 30-50% of deciduous and 20-45% of permanent teeth are affected. One of the most important nutritional factors causing ETW is the overconsumption of soft drinks, but also patient-related factors like reflux or eating disorders can lead to erosive lesions. Whether acids lead to erosive demineralisation depends on their degree of saturation with respect to tooth mineral at their actual pH.

REVIEW

Fluoride compounds like sodium or amine fluoride seem to be of limited efficacy against erosion, the main reason for this is the missing biofilm in the erosive process as well as the lower pH of the acids compared to bacterial acids. This means that to achieve some kind of preventive effect it would be necessary to use products with higher fluoride concentration, which is not an appropriate option for small children, and/or to increase the frequency of application. In addition, the fluoride compound plays a role as promising effects were found when fluoride is combined with titanium or stannous ions. TiF₄ can cause acid-resistant surface coatings and when Sn²⁺/F^- formulations are applied, Sn is not only found on the surface but is also incorporated into enamel and dentine. Both effects make the tooth surface more resistant against acid demineralisation. Different fluoride-containing vehicles have been tested to prevent erosion/ETW, such as toothpastes, rinses, gels and varnishes. Toothpastes offer some degree of protection, especially Sn²⁺-containing formulations, but effects of the active ingredients are sometimes counteracted by the presence of abrasives.

CONCLUSION

Detecting associated factors and influencing them is the main instrument in arresting erosive tooth wear. Additionally, patients at risk for dental erosion should always use an additional fluoride source preferably containing Sn²⁺.

The effect of aspartame and pH changes on the erosive potential of cola drinks in bovine enamel: An in vitro study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanism behind the different erosive potential of regular and light cola drinks: pH difference and/or aspartame presence.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty bovine enamel blocks were randomly divided into 5 groups: RC - regular cola, RCpH - addition of base to increase regular cola pH, RCAS - addition of aspartame to regular cola, LC - light cola, and LCpH - addition of acid to decrease light cola pH. Two-thirds of the blocks surface was coated with nail varnish for reference. The samples were daily subjected to four erosive challenges for 2 minutes. Between the erosive challenges (2h) and overnight the samples were maintained in artificial saliva. The response variable was the percentage surface hardness change (%SHC) after 1st experimental day and enamel surface loss (µm) measured at the 5th day by profilometry. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (p<0.05).

RESULTS

Independently of the cola modifications, all groups promoted similar hardness change of enamel surface. RC promoted higher enamel loss (6.69±0.71µm) than LC (4.80±0.77µm). The acid addition to light cola (LCpH: 6.60±1.78µm) significantly enhanced its erosive potential, which did not differ from RC. The base addition to regular cola (RCpH-4.00±0.64µm) resulted in similar wear to LC. The addition of aspartame to the regular cola (RCAS 5.44±0.65µm) resulted in similar wear to LC and RC.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that the pH alteration has a major impact on the erosive potential of cola drinks, however, the sweetener also has some influence. Key words:Tooth erosion, dental enamel, soft drinks, ph, sweetener.