To Assess the Level of Salivary Calcium after the Consumption of Carbonated Soft Drinks

Diet is a major etiological factor for enamel erosion and dental caries. The proportionality of dental caries increases with the increase in duration of food in the oral cavity. This study was undertaken with the aim of assessing the level of salivary calcium with the consumption of beverages. Major chemical constituents of beverages include, carbohydrates, sweeteners, acids (pH-2.5 to 3.5) phenolic compounds, steroids, nitrogen compounds, ethanol (for alcoholic beverages) and carbon dioxide (for carbonated soft drinks). The presence of carbon in the soft drinks reduces the pH leading to demineralisation and erosion of enamel layer when consumed. The sugars and carbon present in the soft drinks are responsible for dissolution of enamel. Thus the aim of the current study is to analyse the effect of carbonated soft drinks on salivary calcium level. In this study 25 subjects were selected. All were given 200ml of carbonated soft drinks immediately after opening the soft drinks bottle to avoid cessation of carbon dioxide. The level of salivary calcium is measured and analysed by paired sampling using a commercially available analyser kit and the results were statistically analysed, compared and interpreted. There is an increase in the salivary calcium level after the consumption of carbonated soft drinks because of its acidic ph and sugar content. The acidic environment causes demineralisation of the enamel making the enamel brittle and weaker. From this Study, it can be verified that the level of calcium in the saliva increases due to the action of the carbon and sucrose present in the soft drinks on the enamel. This can be verified with the significant p value (p<0.005).