title: The effect of different methods of drinking on the pH of dental plaque in vivo.
abstract: The effect on the pH of human dental plaque of rinsing and drinking with or without a straw was investigated in eight volunteers using the plaque sampling method. A fruit-based juice was used as the test drink with 10% sucrose and 10% sorbitol solutions serving as positive and negative controls, respectively. The maximum mean plaque pH drop (+/- SD) when a fruit juice was consumed with a straw (0.82 +/- 0.27) was significantly less (P < 0.05) as compared to when it was consumed straight from a cup without a straw (1.14 +/- 0.25) and when it was used as a rinse (1.25 +/- 0.21). Also, the minimum plaque pH reached after challenge was significantly lower (P < 0.0005) when the subjects rinsed before swallowing (5.22 +/- 0.13) as compared with drinking with a straw (5.92 +/- 0.39) or without (5.64 +/- 0.2). The area under the plaque pH curve was also found to be significantly less when a straw was used (1.81 +/- 0.71) as compared with drinking without (2.72 +/- 0.93). Drinking with a straw therefore resulted in a less pronounced pH drop and hence might reduce the demineralizing effect on the teeth of various potentially cariogenic drinks.
authors.affiliation: Division of Child Dental Health, Leeds Dental Institute, University of Leeds, UK.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Tahmassebi
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Duggal
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001628:Beverages; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D004326:Drinking / Q000502:physiology*; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D013997:Time Factors