In vitro evaluation of the effect of carbonated acidic beverage on micro hardness of the enamel of primary teeth

Consumption of acidic carbonated beverages is the most important etiologic factor for dental erosion. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in microhardness of enamel in sound deciduous canine exposed to cola (Zamzam)، lemon soft beer (Behnoosh) and tap water. This experimental study was performed on 30 sound deciduous canines without caries and cracks. The teeth were divided into three groups and primary microhardness was determined. Microhardness was 359/2±33/1 in Delster، 371/97±25/5 in ZamZam Cola and 325/77±52 in water. Specimens were taped to leave the 4mm² window of exposed enamel. Then the specimens in each group were exposed randomly into tap water، lemon soft beer and cola for 5 minutes. Finally، secondary microhardness of the enamel was measured by the Vickers method. The enamel microhardness change in each group was studied with the Paired T test and between the groups with ANOVA test. The results showed that secondary microhardness of deciduous enamel after exposure to tap water was 98. 2% of primary microhardness. Secondary microhardness for carbonated beverage and soft beer was 81. 9% and 86. 7% of the original microhardness، respectively. The changes were statistically significant in the beverage and soft beer groups (P=0. 001)، but not significant for tap water (P=0. 07). Zamzam Cola and Delester decreased the microhardness of deciduous tooth enamel. The decrease of microhardness was less for Delster compared to Zamzam Cola.