The Effects of Glucose-Containing Beverages and Whitening Products on Teeth

Amy Sagatys

Date of Award

2008

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Walstrom, Katherine

Keywords

Glucose, Whitening, Dentistry

Area of Concentration

Chemistry

Abstract

Since glucose-containing beverages and whitening products have become increasingly popular in recent years, the aim of this study was to determine what effects these products have on extracted teeth. The glucose-containing beverages chosen for this study were Pibb Xtra�, Sprite�, and Monster Energy� drink. The whitening products chosen were Crest Night Effects�, Opalescence 10%�, and Opalescence 20%�. Teeth were monitored by recording the weights of the teeth, comparing color shades of the teeth and obtaining atomic force images of the teeth. The results suggested that the multiple acids present in the Monster Energy� drink can erode teeth. In addition, the Monster Energy� drink caused the teeth to become whiter, possibly due to the vitamin B12 or acids in the drink. The caramel additives in Pibb Xtra� caused teeth to become darker. Color shade analysis of the teeth exposed to whitening products showed that whitening products available only through a dentist were not significantly more effective than whitening products available over-the-counter. Finally, atomic force images suggested that even "conservative" use of whitening products may lead to the breakdown of the enamel matrix.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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