J Dent Hyg Sci.  2024 Dec;24(4):391-399. 10.17135/jdhs.2024.24.4.391.

Evaluation of Erosive Potential of Powdered Vitamin C on Bovine Teeth

• Kim HR
• Jung IH
• Kim YJ
• Min NR
• Seo YJ
• Lee YJ
• Lee EB
• Han SM
• Lim HJ
• Lim DS

• KMID: 2563399
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17135/jdhs.2024.24.4.391

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to investigate the erosive potential of powdered vitamin C on the bovine enamel tooth surface.
Methods
The experiment included five groups: Lemona, Vitagran, Korea Eundan, Coca-Cola (positive controls), and artificial saliva (negative controls). The pH and titratable acidity were measured. Bovine enamel specimens were immersed in the experimental solutions for 15 minutes each day for 7 days. The surface microhardness was measured using the Vickers hardness number before immersion and on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th days. The surfaces of the bovine enamel specimens were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Results
The pH of the experimental groups was as follows: Lemona (2.04±0.04) had the lowest pH, followed by Vitagran (2.56±0.01), the positive control group Coca-Cola (2.60±0.03), Korea Eundan (3.14±0.02), and the negative control group artificial saliva (7.06±0.05). Surface microhardness decreased significantly during the immersion period (p＜0.001). The largest surface microhardness reduction value was shown in Lemona (–201.22±20.60), followed by Vitagran (–190.02±14.73), Korea Eundan (–189.27±27.14), Coca-Cola (–99.28±17.21), artificial saliva (–10.99±9.94). According to the SEM findings, the experimental and positive control groups exhibited rough surfaces with micropores, whereas the negative control group exhibited smooth surfaces before specimen immersion.
Conclusion
Consuming powdered vitamin C at a low pH may degrade the enamel surface. To reduce the erosive effect, it is recommended to rinse the mouth with water and brush the teeth after an hour.

Keyword

Hardness; Hydrogen-ion concentration; Scanning electron microscopy; Vitamins