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Summary: Objectives: The objective was three-fold; (1) to test the erosive potential (EP) of various soft drinks, (2) to determine properties related to the soft drinks that were important for EP, and (3) to test possibilities of reducing the EP of soft drinks by modification. Methods: Sixteen soft drinks from the Icelandic market including three modified soft drinks were used. The pH, calcium, phosphorus, and titratable acid (TA) to pH 5.5, 7.0, and 10.0 were determined in each drink. From these results the buffer capacity (β) at pH 4.5, 6.3, and 8.5, degree of saturation with respect to hydroxyapatite (DSHAP), and critical pH (DSHAP=1) were calculated. One orange juice was modified by addition of various concentrations of calcium and phosphate. EP was determined as weight loss from tooth pieces after immersion into the soft drinks for 24 and 72h as well as calcium increase in the soft drink upon immersion. Results: EP of the drinks varied from 0–10% weight loss and 0–31mmol calcium increase. The pH in carbonated and sport drinks was lower than in fruit juices, whereas TA and β was considerably higher in fruit juices. Significant correlations were obtained between EP and TA, β, pH, and DSHAP (r s=0.69–0.90). Addition of calcium and phosphate to the experimental drinks considerably decreased their EP. Conclusion: We conclude that several properties related to soft drinks have an impact on their EP upon long exposure time to teeth and that moderate modification could be a helpful measure to reduce the EP of soft drinks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dental erosion in young Icelandic adults (19-22 years old) and patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in relation to their soft drink consumption and gastroesophageal reflux. Eighty subjects (40 males and 40 females), comprising 57 young adults (mean age 21 +/- 2 years) and 23 GERD patients (mean age 35 +/- 10 years), were enrolled in this study. All subjects answered a detailed frequency questionnaire of soft drink consumption and participated in a clinical examination. Erosion was scored for incisor and molar teeth separately. No significant difference was observed in the prevalence of dental erosion between young adults and GERD patients. However, by combining the two study groups a three-fold higher risk of having erosion in molars or incisors was found for subjects drinking Coca-Cola three times a week or more often ( p < 0.05). Additionally, significantly higher erosion scores were found in molars among subjects drinking more than 1 litre of carbonated drinks (all brands) per week ( p < 0.05). It is concluded that the frequency of soft drink consumption is a strong risk factor in the development of dental erosion.