Erosive potential of children's chewable vitamin supplements: An in vitro investigation

Chewable vitamins are dietary supplements in which vitamins are combined with a flavor that appeals to children. The acidic nature of some vitamins and some flavoring agents may cause dental erosion. We investigated the effect of children's chewable vitamin supplements on the loss of minerals in teeth.

Forty-two human tooth enamel samples were prepared and randomly assigned to seven groups (n=6). Six groups contained different chewable vitamin tablets dissolved in deionized water, and a control group contained only deionized water. Each tablet was ground before its dissolution, and its pH was measured. Each tooth sample was immersed in a vitamin solution and artificial saliva in periodic cycles for 14 days. Each sample was weighed before and after immersion to calculate its weight loss percentage. Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the morphology of the enamel surfaces. For statistical analysis, the weight loss percentages between groups were compared using Welch's ANOVA, followed by post hoc Dunnett's T3 analysis (P<0.05).

All the tested supplements were acidic, with a pH range of 2.99‒4.77. Most of the vitamin groups tested led to significant weight loss; it was greater for the vitamin C groups than the multivitamin groups. Scanning electron microscopy revealed erosion and destruction of enamel surfaces following vitamin exposure.

All the chewable vitamin supplements were acidic, with the majority potentially eroding enamel. The erosive potential was less pronounced in vitamin supplements containing minerals.