In vitro erosion of bovine enamel caused by acidic drinks and other foodstuffs.

The objective was to compare the erosive effect of some commonly used acidic drinks and milk products on a bovine tooth enamel model system. Conditions were selected to be sufficiently severe to cause erosion. Loss of material after erosion experiments was measured by recording the depth of the surface profile after repeated and prolonged exposure. Changes in the enamel surface were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The reparative mechanisms were studied by immersing test teeth in saliva, with or without (2 ppm) fluoride, after severe demineralization in the test products. According to the t-test for paired means, cola beverages and orange beverages differed from beer, coffee with or without sugar, strawberry yoghurt, buttermilk, and carbonated mineral water at the level P less than 0.01. Each of the last-mentioned test products differed from sports drinks, diet cola beverages and orange juice less significantly. In addition, bathing of teeth in saliva between exposures to the test products did not influence the erosive depth. The results, based on in vitro conditions that ensured erosion, are useful for comparative purposes but cannot be directly extended to the oral cavity under normal use conditions.