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Salivary pH after taking coffee with and without sugar
Luca Levrini1, Maria G Nosotti2, Stefano Saran3
1Department of Human Sciences, Innovation and Territory, School of Dentistry, Postgraduate of Orthodontics, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
Minerva Dental and Oral Science
|April 23, 2025
Summary
Drinking coffee, especially with sugar, significantly reduces salivary pH, increasing caries risk. Maintaining oral hygiene and avoiding sugar in coffee are crucial for preserving a healthy oral pH.
Area of Science:
- Dental Science
- Oral Health Research
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Dental caries affects up to 90% of the population, weakening tooth structures.
- Early manifestation of dental caries necessitates understanding factors influencing oral health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate salivary pH variations after consuming coffee with or without sugar.
- To assess the impact of oral hygiene practices on post-coffee salivary pH.
Main Methods:
- 14 healthy adult volunteers participated in the study.
- Salivary pH was measured using a pH meter for 40 minutes post-coffee consumption.
- Participants underwent conditions with and without oral hygiene, and with coffee containing or lacking sugar.
Main Results:
- Coffee consumption led to a significant reduction in salivary pH within minutes.
- Consuming coffee without sugar resulted in an immediate salivary pH increase.
- Coffee with sugar showed a sustained decrease in salivary pH.
Conclusions:
- Drinking coffee without sugar helps maintain a basic oral pH.
- Consistent and proper oral hygiene is essential for oral cavity health.
- Avoiding sugar in coffee consumption is recommended to prevent oral pH reduction.
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