ABSTRACT
Objectives Frequent consumption of sugars-containing carbonated beverages has been associated
with caries, but the consequences on the dental biofilm remain unclear. The aim was
to evaluate the effect of commercial carbonated beverages and their sugar-free version
on enamel and dentine demineralization and on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans biofilms. Materials and Methods Biofilms of S. mutans UA159 were grown on enamel and dentin slabs and exposed 3 times/ day for 5 min, to
a commercial cola or orange-flavored carbonated beverage or to their sugar-free version.
Biofilms/slabs were recovered to assess biomass, viable microorganisms, protein content
and polysaccharides. Demineralization was estimated by the variation of Knoop surface
microhardness. Results Exposures to the biofilm with sugars-containing carbonated beverages resulted in
similar biomass, viable microorganisms, proteins, and polysaccharides than sucrose
(P < 0.05). The sugar-free cola and orange-flavored drink showed lower effect on the
biofilm, as compared with sucrose or their sugared version (P < 0.05). All of the products tested, included the sugar-free, showed higher demineralization
than the negative control (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Sugars-containing carbonated beverages enhance cariogenic activity of S. mutans biofilms, comparable with sucrose. Sugar-free carbonated beverages also have a high
demineralizing potential, without affecting biofilm properties.
Key words:
Carbonated beverages - cariogenicity - dental caries - oral biofilm - soft drinks
-
Streptococcus mutans
- sucrose
