Relative susceptibility of deciduous and permanent dental hard tissues to erosion by a low pH fruit drink in vitro

Objectives: The objectives of this study were two-fold: (1) to determine (b y surfometry) loss of deciduous and permanent enamel and dentine following 15 days' exposure to a single low pH orange drink; and (2) to determine (by surfometry) loss of deciduous and permanent enamel and dentine following e xposure to the product 2 versus 4 times per day for 15 days. Methods: This in vitro study employed the validated methodology described b y West and co-workers [Journal of Dentistry, 1998;26:329-335.] Results: In all four tissues, erosion was progressive over time, though thi s pattern was more linear in enamel than in dentine. In general, erosion of enamel was greater in the deciduous tissue, while erosion of dentine was g reater in the permanent tissue. However, these differences were rarely of s tatistical significance. Increasing frequency of exposure resulted in a non -proportional increase in tissue loss. Conclusions: Differences in susceptibility of deciduous and permanent tissu es to erosion by a low pH drink in vitro appear to exist, though these may not be of statistical significance. Care may be indicated in the delivery o f dietary advice, since reduced frequency of exposure to a low pH drink doe s not appear to result in a proportional reduction in tissue loss. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.