The erosive potential of different drinks, foodstuffs and medicines – a vade mecum

There is increasing evidence that the excessive consumption of acidic drinks and foods contributes to dental erosion and may be an important contributing factor for erosive tooth wear. The aims of the present contribution were twofold: (1) to assess the erosive potential of 116 dietary substances and medications; (2) to determine the chemical properties with an impact on the erosive potential. Using 300 deciduous and 1,020 permanent human teeth, enamel specimens were prepared and a pellicle was formed with human saliva. The erosive potential of the tested agents was quantified as the change in surface hardness of the specimens after 2 min of erosion. To characterise these agents, the following chemical properties were determined: pH, titratable acidity to pH 7, concentrations of Ca, Pi and F, as well as the degree of saturation with respect to hydroxyapatite. We conclude that some drinks, foodstuffs and medications may cause erosion. However, pH is not the only decisive factor, since some acidic substances did not cause dental erosion.