In vitro enamel erosion associated with commercially available original-flavor and sour versions of candies.
BACKGROUND
Exposure to acidic foods and beverages is thought to increase the risk of developing dental erosion. The authors hypothesized that the erosion potential of sour candies was greater than the erosion potential of original-flavor versions of the candies.


METHODS
The authors measured the pH and titratable acidity of candies dissolved in artificial saliva or water. They then measured the lesion depths of enamel surfaces exposed to candy slurries for 25 hours. Statistical analyses included two-sample t tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests to identify differences between original-flavor and sour candies, as well as correlations to identify relationships between lesion depths, pH and titratable acidity.


RESULTS
The study results show that lesion depths generally were greater after exposure of enamel to sour candies than they were after exposure of enamel to original-flavor candies, as well as for candies dissolved in water compared with those dissolved in artificial saliva. Lesion depths were negatively associated with the initial slurry pH and positively associated with titratable acidity.


CONCLUSIONS
Both original-flavor and sour versions of candies are potentially erosive, with sour candies being of greater concern. Although saliva might protect against the erosive effects of original-flavor candies, it is much less likely to protect against the erosive effects of sour candies.


CONCLUSIONS
People at risk of developing candy-associated erosion, particularly those with a high intake of candy, pocketing behaviors or decreased salivary flow, should receive preventive guidance regarding candy-consuming habits.
Wagoner
Stephanie N
SN
Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1010, USA.
Marshall
Teresa A
TA
Qian
Fang
F
Wefel
James S
JS
D000143:Acids / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D002182:Candy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D003747:Dental Enamel Solubility; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D012464:Saliva, Artificial / Q000737:chemistry; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014077:Tooth Erosion / Q000139:chemically induced*
D000143:Acids; D012464:Saliva, Artificial