Erosive potential of energy drinks on the dentine surface

Dentine root surfaces were exposed using a diamond bur. Forty movements of scaling were performed in the area prepared in order to create a smear layer. One hundred and thirty specimens were obtained from 35 teeth. Specimens were randomly distributed into 12 groups (n = 10) and divided into subgroups according to the application: topical (n = 5) and friction (n = 5). Twelve energy drinks were evaluated: RedBullTM, BurnTM, TNTTM, Flash PowerTM, Flying HorseTM, Sports DrinkTM, IonicTM, Hot PowerTM, Army PowerTM, GladiatorTM and BugTM. Distilled water was used as a control group. The specimens were analysed by scanning electron microscopy.Topical application: a significant influence of energy drinks on smear layer removal was found for FlyingHorseTM and BugTM when compared with the control group. Friction application: significant smear layer removal was found for BurnTM, FlyingHorseTM, GladiatorTM, SportsDrinksTM, when compared with the control group. Comparing the different application forms, a statistically significant difference was found for Army PowerTM.Considering the significant smear layer removal, energy drinks can be an important etiological factor for cervical dentine hypersensitivity.