Chemical and Physical Modification of Carbonated Energy Beverages to Reduce the Damage Over Teeth and Restorative Materials

Abstract High consumption of carbonated beverages has increased dental problems regarding tooth mineral loss and longevity of the restorative materials. Moreover, if containing fermentable sugars, increased consumption of carbonated beverages will increase dental biofilm accumulation, resulting in severe dental caries lesions. Ultimately, these cause damage to the tooth structure and to the interface between the tooth and the restorative material. In fact, microorganisms organized in accumulated dental biofilms produce weak organic acids, leading to a slow mineral dissolution, resulting in dental caries lesions. On the other hand, a quick loss of tooth structure may occur by the chemical action of these beverages, producing erosion-type lesions. In this chapter, the chemical factors causing carbonated beverages to induce this rapid (erosion) or slow mineral loss (caries) from dental tissues, as well as wear of restorative materials, are discussed. In addition, preventive measures such as modifying chemical and physical properties of nonalcoholic carbonated beverages are discussed.