Erosion on abraded dental hard tissues by acid lozenges: an in situ study

The aim of this study was to analyse the erosive effect of acidic lozenges and to compare it with that of orange juice, known to have the capacity to cause erosion. Two acidic, sugar-free lozenges and orange juice were tested in situ in nine patients. Changes in surface Knoop microhardness and change in the surface texture were assessed. The results revealed that orange juice and one acidic lozenge were--under the conditions of this experiment--capable of significantly softening abraded enamel (P < or = 0.017). It was concluded that excessive consumption of acidic lozenges could have the potential to enhance existing dental erosion.