To assess the effect of selected locally available beverages on salivary pH, flow rate, and oral clearance rate among adults

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of selected locally available beverages on salivary pH, flow rate, and oral clearance rate among adults. Materials and Methods: A quantitative diagnostic method for dental caries would improve oral health, which directly affects the quality of life. The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a solution is, with 7 being neutral. When the pH of plaque drops below normal, or <5.5, the acidity starts to dissolve minerals and destroy the tooth’s enamel. This clinical trial will be conducted on 40 subjects. Test beverages will be Red Bull, mixed fruit juice, tea, and sweetened milk. Unstimulated salivary samples will be collected for each study subject at least 1 h after their breakfast. After the collection of baseline salivary samples, the subjects will be given one beverage to drink, and then stimulated saliva samples will be collected at fixed time intervals. A digital pH meter will be used to measure the pH at every step. Statistical Analysis: This will be carried out using SPSS version 17, one-way ANOVA, and post hoc Tukey’s test will be applied in the statistical tests. Results: The maximum drop in pH was seen in the case of carbonated beverage (Red Bull), the oral clearance for all the liquid food items was achieved at 14 minutes. Conclusions: Liquids had a considerable cariogenic and erosive potential despite their quick clearance from the mouth cavity. it is always recommended to limit beverage consumption to maintain good dental health.