Effects of energy and sports drinks on dentin surfaces.

Purpose: To evaluate the laboratory effects of various energy and sports drinks on the surface microhardness and roughness of dentin.

Methods: 60 extracted, sound bovine incisors were selected. After embedding the crown segments in acrylic resin blocks, the buccal surfaces were ground to expose a flat dentin surface. The dentin specimens were randomly divided into six groups (n=10): (DW) Distilled water (negative control), (M) Monster, (RB) Red Bull, (IS) Isostar, (PR) Powerade, and (CC) Coca-Cola (positive control). Following the initial microhardness and roughness measurements, the specimens were immersed in the beverages, with pH and titratable acidity (TA) values measured, three times a day for 20 minutes. After 7 days, final measurements were recorded. A single specimen from each group was examined under a scanning electron microscope. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Bonferroni, Tukey, and Games-Howell tests (P< 0.05).

Results: All groups showed a significant reduction in microhardness, except for the DW group (P< 0.05). While there were no statistically significant differences between the RB and M groups (P> 0.05), significant changes in microhardness were observed between RB and the other tested groups (P< 0.05). An increase in surface roughness was observed in all tested groups except DW (P< 0.05). All the tested sports and energy drinks caused a reduction in surface microhardness and an increase in surface roughness. The consumption of these beverages may increase the risk of dental erosion.

Clinical significance: The excessive consumption of sports and energy drinks might have harmful effects on dentin tissue. Individuals should be advised to limit their intake of such beverages.