Impact of sugar-sweetened beverages on salivary parameters: A systematic review & meta-analysis

Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSB) can significantly influence saliva leading to a more acidic environment which makes our oral cavity prone to various oral diseases. This study investigates the influence of SSBs on salivary parameters by analyzing the existing plethora of research.

To systematically review and analyze the impact of SSBs on changes in salivary pH, flow rate and bacterial proliferation.

Pubmed, Embase, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched using the PECO strategy. Risk of Bias was assessed using Newcastle Ottawa Scale and Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tools. Meta-analysis was conducted among the eligible studies using a random effects model.

A total of twenty eight studies were found eligible after a thorough PRISMA search in the databases. Many studies consistently demonstrated a rapid decline in salivary pH post-SSB consumption, creating an acidic environment conducive to enamel demineralization. Few studies also reported reduced salivary flow rate and prolonged oral clearance times. Increased proliferation of acidogenic bacteria and fungi was noted. Risk of bias was low overall, but a few studies reported limitations such as randomization bias and missing data.

Consumption of sugar sweetened beverages significantly impact salivary parameters, fostering an oral environment prone to diseases such as dental caries and periodontal infections. Public health interventions and policies are essential to reduce SSB consumption and promote oral health.