Comparing the erosive effect of Iranian soft drinks with standard samples; A Calcium ion analysis

Extensive and continuous consumption of acidic drinks is the main cause of enamel erosion in human teeth. The purpose of this study was to compare the erosive potential of two Iranian drinks with those of two imported ones. Two Iranian drinks (Cola Zamzam and Orange Zamzam) and two imported ones (Pepsi and Miranda) were studied in this experimental invitro study. 120 intact premolar teeth, extracted for orthodontic reasons were divided into 3 equal groups (A, B and C). Each group was exposed to one of the drinks for exposure times of: A: 15 minutes, B: 45 minutes and C: 12 hours. Each group was divided into 4 subgroups (each containing 10 teeth), which were exposed to 20 ml of one of the 4 drinks. The exposed surface was the same in all samples (a 5 mm in diameter semi circular window). The amount of Ca++ ion (mg/ml) added to each drink at the end of exposure time was estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. 2 way ANOVA showed that the drinks were significantly different with regard to released Calcium ion. Time had significant effect on erosive potential. The two mentioned factors had significant interaction (P<0.001). The most erosive effect was seen in 12 hours in all of the drinks. The erosive effect of Orange Zamzam in 15 minutes and Pepsi in 45 minutes and 12 hours was significantly more than other groups (P<0.001). Pepsi had the most long term erosive effect among the four drinks, and Cola Zamzam had the least erosive potential.