Objective: To assess the erosive effect of energy drinks (ED) alone and mixed with alcohol on the human enamel surface in vitro. Methods: Twenty non-erupted human third molars were vertically sectioned in half. Specimens were exposed to 5mL of ED plus 5mL of artificial saliva or 5mL of ED plus 5mL of artificial saliva plus 5mL of alcohol (Pisco). Exposure times were set at 30min and 60min. Erosive assessments were made using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The ED analyzed were Mr. Big, Kem Extreme, Red Bull, and Monster Energy. ED pH measurements were performed at 25°C and titration was done with NaOH 0.1mol/L. Results:The pH ranges were: ED alone 2.55 to 3.46, ED mixed with artificial saliva 2.60 to 3.55, ED mixed with Pisco 2.82 to 3.70, and ED mixed with both 2.92 to 3.86.The pH of Pisco was 6.13, and Pisco mixed with artificial saliva had a pH of 6.23.Titration showed a pH range from 3.5 to 5.7. SEM-EDS analysis showed that Mr.Big and Monster led to clear demineralization at 30 min and remineralization at 60m in. Pisco slightly decreased the erosive effect of these ED. Kem Xtreme and Red Bull led to no demineralization in the first hour. Conclusion: According to the pH, acidity and EDS analysis, the ED of the present study likely caused enamel erosion in human teeth surface dependent on exposure time.

The energy drinks have undergone exponential hikes over the last years worldwide, in adults, youth, and even children. Among its components can be found: caffeine, guarana, taurine, ging-Seng, L-carnitine, creatinine or glucuronolactone, citric acid and phosphoric acid, among others. A responsible and occasional consumption should not pose major problems, but this is not the case. The medical effects are usually caused by their abuse, like: headaches, palpitations, insomnia, sweating, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, gastroesophageal reflux, facial numbness, bloating, tremor, diarrhea and even addiction, among others. While in the dental level, specifically on the dental enamel, the most severe impact is the erosion and the lesser impact is tooth staining, which has not yet been fully investigated, also have been described the development of hypersensitivity. A timely prevention and diagnosis are essential to minimize the damage caused by prolonged use of these products. It is essential to avoid a possible trend or “fad” associated with mixing energy drinks and alcohol and even drugs, of which they are not fully known the possible risks that could potentially cause. Due to its exponential growth it is essential to have an updated knowledge about the consumption of these beverages. The high consumption of energy drinks maintained over time is associated with negative effects at the medical and dental level. Further research is necessary to prevent, treat and rehabilitate the consequences produced by the consumption of these products.

The aim of this article was to see the erosive effect of the effervescent powder acid in Tiritón ice cream (Nestlé Savory, Vevey, Switzerland) on the human tooth enamel. The erosive potential of Tiritón ice cream was determined under in vitro conditions by subjecting five tooth enamel slices from three healthy permanent first molars from healthy patients attending the dental clinic at the Universidad Nacional Andres Bello in Concepción. The samples were exposed to a mixture of saliva from a girl without incidence of dental caries and the effervescent powder in the stick holding the Tiritón ice cream for 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 seconds. Afterwards, the effect was assessed through a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and pH measurement. All specimens showed a pH of 3.0. The SEM showed increasing levels of erosion for longer periods of exposure time. Tiritón ice cream produces a much more acidic environment than the one required for starting enamel dissolution. This will later cause a higher vulnerability to caries and dental erosion than the reported in other candy. The images obtained through SEM clearly show the erosive effect caused by the effervescent acid powder for periods of exposure time shorter than a minute.