Analysis of Salivary pH Before and After Intake of Sugary Drinks - An In vitro Study

Abstract

Diet is a primary aetiological factor for enamel erosion and dental caries. This study was undertaken with the aim of assessing the effect of selected locally available beverages on salivary pH amongst college students. This study comprised of a study population of 20 subjects divided into two groups. Test beverages were fruit drinks and carbonated beverages. Salivary pH was measured before and after consumption of the sugary drink. Mean difference between baseline pH and pH after consuming sugary drinks was calculated. It was found that salivary pH decreased for all the beverages immediately after consumption. Sharp decline was observed in the pH value after consumption from 7.15 to 5.5 in the case of carbonated drinks and from 7.15 to 5.45 in the case of fruit drinks. Even when liquid sugars cleared rapidly from the oral cavity, they had a significant cariogenic potential due to the decline in salivary pH. Hence, it is always advised to minimise the consumption of beverages with high sugar content, especially amongst children and young adults to maintain a healthy and caries-free oral cavity.