Effect of a buffering sugar-free lozenge on intraoral pH and electrochemical action

Two double-blind crossover studies were performed to test a sugar-free lozenge containing bicarbonate and phosphate buffers (Profylin). The studies were performed in groups of 20 and 13 individuals. In Study I active buffering or placebo lozenge (not buffered) was given, and the pH of plaque and saliva was measured after 2, 5, 10, 20, and 30 min. In study II the lozenges were given 10 min after a sucrose rinse, and both the pH and the potential and polarization of amalgam restorations that made contact in the oral cavity were measured. In study I both lozenges increased the pH of plaque and saliva, but the values after sucking on the active lozenge were significantly higher than after placebo. In study II a pH recovery of plaque and saliva after the sucrose rinse was recorded for both types of lozenge, but it was most pronounced for the active, buffering lozenge. A statistically significant difference was, however, found only 5 min after sucking on the lozenge. No influence on the current magnitude was observed. The results thus indicate that the buffering sugar-free lozenge raises the pH of plaque and saliva and accelerates the pH recovery after a sucrose rinse but seems to have no influence on the galvanic current magnitude of amalgam restorations in contact.