Impact of Calcium Glycerophosphate-supplemented Carbonated Beverages in Reducing Mineral Loss from the Enamel Surface

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface microhardness and mineral loss from enamel exposed to carbonated beverages supplemented with and without calcium glycerophosphate (CaGP).

Materials And Methods: Forty enamel blocks were prepared from 20 extracted premolars, and their initial surface microhardness was measured using the Knoop microhardness testing machine. The samples were divided into four groups based on the concentration of CaGP added to the beverage: group I: beverage without CaGP (control group), group II: beverage with 2 mM CaGP, group III: beverage with 5 mM CaGP, and group IV: beverage with 10 mM CaGP. The samples were subjected to four cycles of exposure to plain and CaGP-supplemented carbonated beverage with an intermittent buffering in artificial saliva, after which the final surface microhardness was measured. The mineral loss from enamel blocks was estimated spectrophotometrically.

Results: The obtained data were analyzed using paired test and analysis of variance. A highly significant ( < 0.01) reduction in surface microhardness was observed in group I (beverage without CaGP). The reduction in surface microhardness in group III (beverage + 5 mM CaGP) and group IV (beverage + 10 mM CaGP) was not significantly different from that of sound enamel. A highly significant difference in calcium loss was observed between the groups ( = 0.00). Calcium loss reduced as the CaGP concentration increased in the groups. A similar trend was observed when phosphate loss was analyzed.

Conclusion: Addition of CaGP to the carbonated beverages significantly prevented the reduction in surface microhardness of enamel and mineral loss. As the concentration of CaGP in carbonated beverages increased from 2 mM to 10 mM, the mineral loss is decreased.

Clinical Significance: Consumption of carbonated beverages has been increasing among the children and adolescents, leading to a higher incidence of dental erosion and caries. Hence, supplementation of these acidic beverages with buffering agents such as CaGP may help in preventing such dental problems among vulnerable populations.

How To Cite This Article: Manaswini YH, Uloopi KS, Vinay C, Impact of Calcium Glycerophosphate-supplemented Carbonated Beverages in Reducing Mineral Loss from the Enamel Surface. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(1):1-5.