pH Modulation and Salivary Clearance Rate of Different Antitussive Lozenges in Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial

To evaluate and compare the salivary pH and oral clearance rate following the use of four different commercially available antitussive lozenges, in order to assess their potential impact on oral health.

A total of 40 healthy young adults were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 each): Group I - Strepsils, group II - Koflet, group III - TusQ, and group IV - Vicks. Baseline unstimulated saliva samples were collected 1 hour after breakfast. After lozenge consumption, stimulated saliva samples were collected at 5-minute intervals up to 30 minutes. Salivary pH was measured using a calibrated digital pH meter. Oral clearance time was determined based on the time required for the salivary pH to return to baseline. Data were recorded and statistically analyzed.

All groups showed a salivary pH drop after lozenge use, with TusQ having the largest drop (3.73) and Koflet the smallest (5.74) at 5 minutes. pH levels gradually increased, with no significant differences between groups by 30 minutes. Koflet maintained higher pH at most times, while Strepsils had higher pH than TusQ at 10 and 15 minutes. Oral clearance time was shortest for Koflet (12.7 ± 2.34 minutes) and longest for Vicks (19.4 ± 2.67 minutes), with Koflet significantly different from the others.

The study concluded that different commercially available antitussive lozenges significantly influenced salivary pH and oral clearance time, highlighting their varying potential to impact oral health. Products with lower pH and prolonged clearance times may pose a higher risk for enamel erosion and caries, emphasizing the need for careful consideration when using such lozenges frequently.

This study highlights the significance of evaluating the erosive potential and oral clearance time of commonly used over-the-counter lozenges. Lozenges with low pH, high acidity, and extended oral retention can increase the risk of dental erosion and caries, particularly in vulnerable populations. The findings emphasize the need for dental professionals to advise patients on safer alternatives and urge manufacturers to create more tooth-friendly products. How to cite this article: Wankhede SD, Vishwakarma PK, Dodamani AS, et al. pH Modulation and Salivary Clearance Rate of Different Antitussive Lozenges in Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Contemp Dent Pract 2025;26(5):458-461.