Carbonated Soft Drinks Induced Erosive Changes on Enamel Surfaces of Primary Teeth: SEM-EDS Analysis

Abstract

This study used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to evaluate morphological and atomic percentage (at.%) changes on the enamel surfaces of primary teeth after exposure to carbonated soft drinks. Forty-five primary molars were extracted from healthy 4-12-year-old children. The crown of each molar was divided into 4 pieces along central and buccal-lingual grooves, and then each piece was randomly immersed in 3 commercial carbonated soft drinks (Coca-Cola Original, Coca-Cola No Sugar, or sparkling water) or deionized water for 15 minutes. SEM images were taken to describe the enamel surface morphological changes based on Silverstone classification. The at.% changes of 12 elements on the surfaces caused by the tested solutions were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s post hoc test. The results showed that the acidic pH of carbonated soft drinks caused morphological and elements concentrations changes on the enamel surfaces. After exposure to both Coca-Cola drinks, type 3 erosive patterns were observed on the enamel surfaces, while slightly and nonspecific erosive pattern was seen after exposure to sparkling water. The at.% levels of calcium and phosphorus were significantly decreased (p<0.05) after exposure to carbonated soft drinks. However, no significant changes were observed for the other elements.