Dental properties of antiseptic throat lozenges formulated with sugars or Lycasin

Thirteen different formulations of throat lozenges were examined for their acidity, demineralizing action on hydroxylapatite, and fermentability by human dental plaque micro-organisms. Their flavouring acids gave them low pH values in the range 2.6-3.7, leading to the dissolution of calcium and phosphorus from hydroxylapatite. The combination of antiseptics and flavouring acids in the lozenges inhibited microbial growth and metabolism. In the absence of any antiseptics and flavouring acids, the growth and metabolic activity of cultures of plaque micro-organisms were significantly greater on sucrose+glucose lozenges than on a new Lycasin formulation.