Effect of Carbonated Beverages on Salivary pH and Dental Caries in a Sample of Egyptian Children “A cross-sectional study”

Abstract

Aim: Investigation of the correlation between the intake of carbonated beverages, salivary pH and dental caries. Materials and methods: One hundred and thirty-nine Egyptian children aged 4-6 years were selected for this study. A questionnaire was designed and validated in Arabic language to collect information from subjects about frequency of intake of carbonated beverages including packed fruit juices, and sweetened milk. Caries occurrence was further assessed by dmf index. Salivary pH was tested for each child. Statistical analysis was carried out using One-Sample Kolmogrovo-smirnov. For parametric distribution, Pearson Correlations was used. For nonparametric distribution, Spearman's Correlations was used. Results: A weak correlation was detected between the frequency of drinking carbonated beverages and salivary pH (r=0.023). A weak correlation between the frequency of drinking carbonated beverages and dmf index (r= 0.024). A non-significant correlation (r=0.127) was also found between the dmf index and salivary pH of the selected children. Conclusion: Excessive drinking of carbonated beverages and salivary pH were not of a direct influence on the increase of caries occurrence among selected children.