Effects of traditional Sudanese beverages (Hibiscus, Tamarind, Baobab and lime) on teeth, Composite and conventional Glass Ionomer Cement A Pilot In-vitro Study

Background: Dental aesthetics has become a widespread trend in recent years. Patients believe that since their teeth were restored, they can drink the same beverages again without any mishaps. However, their effects can be more severe than the original damage caused. To better understand the impact of these beverages, the next section outlines our research approach. Methodology: The aim of the present research was to determine if the erosive effects of traditional Sudanese acidic drinks can affect teeth and their coloured restorations, and change their colour. To address this aim, the samples collected were five composite tablets, five GIC (Glass Ionomer Cement) tablets, and five natural teeth. All the samples were weighed and inserted in five different drinks (Hibiscus, Tamarind, Baobab, lime juice, and distilled water as a medium) and inspected every 48 hours for one week. The samples were removed, washed under running water for 30 seconds, dried using an air syringe, and weighed using a digital scale. The colour change was determined using ImageJ software, and ΔE was obtained for each sample. The findings from these procedures are detailed in the following results section. Results: The results revealed that the GIC tablet was the most affected during lime immersion than in other beverages (weight loss of 7.25% − 27.6%), with composite being the least affected in all the beverages (0.48% − 0.55%). The lime drink was the most erosive beverage overall. All the samples have experienced some form of discolouration throughout the experiment, with each beverage causing varying degrees of colour change. These results provide important context for the discussion and conclusions that follow. Conclusion: There has been a noticeable change in both weight and colour caused by the beverages, with lime causing the most weight loss to the GIC tablet, and all the beverages have caused some discolouration in all the samples. These observations highlight the potential erosive and discolouration capabilities of these beverages that are habitually consumed on a regular basis and considered by society as normal.