Influence of the liquid acid diet on the development of dental erosion

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the importance of the liquid diet pH in the etiology and prevention of dental erosion, so as to give dietary orientation to patients who present with these lesions, as well as to know the pH of the most consumed Brazilian fruit juices and industrialized beverages, which are supposably acid. A sample of each mature fruit was processed to be liquefied, and the pH was obtained through a pHmeter appliance, immediately after the juices were obtained and 30 minutes later. Afterward the juices were diluted in potable water in a 1:2 proportion and new pH values were obtained. For the industrialized beverages, pH measurements were carried out immediately after opening the bottles and 30 minutes later. The beverages and juices analyzed showed pH values below the critical pH for dental tissue dissolution (5.5). Therefore, they are expected to cause demineralization. Dietary counseling is an important factor in the treatment and prevention of dental erosion.