Study Regarding the Effect of Acid Beverages and Oral Rinsing Solutions on Dental Hard Tissues

The aims of the study were: (i) to evaluate the pH and litrable acidity of three acid beverages (Nestea lemon, Coca-Cola and red wine) and of two oral rinsing solutions (Listerine and Corsodyl); (ii) to determinate the calcium and phosphate ions concentration in enamel and dentine before and after the solution action; (iii) to evaluate the corrosive effect of solutions on dental hard tissues. The pH values and the titrable acidity of solutions were established using an electronic pH-metre. The teeth sections were SEM analized to evaluate the morphological changes after acid solutions action. The calcium and phosphate ions concentrations in enamel and dentine were evaluated using EDX spectra. Coca-Cola had the highest level of titrable acidity (0.580 mL/mL) and the lowest pH value (2.85), followed by red wine: 0.330 mL/mL,pH = 3.9, Nestea lemon: 0.300 mL/mL, pH = 3.8, Listerine: 0.110 mL/mL, pH = 4.35 and Corsodyl: 0.040 mL/mL, pH = 5,6. Significant decrease of calcium and phosphate ions concentrations were obtained for samples placed in solutions when compared to control group (paired samples t test). SEM images clearly shown the corrosive effect of Coca-Cola, red wine, Nestea and Listerine, with enamel surface irregularities, markedly open of the dentine tubules and minor surface changes for Corsodyl. This study provides that all these common acid beverages and rinsing solution soften and dissolve dental hard tissues.