Evaluation of Plaque pH Changes Following Consumption of Health Drinks by Children: A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: With increased trend among people to choose a healthy diet, there is an increased consumption of health drinks by children. Thus, it is important to know their cariogenicity.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of consumption of health drinks viz., Horlicks, Boost and Complan on plaque pH in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study consisted of four groups: Group I (control)- 10% sucrose solution, Group II- Horlicks, Group III- Boost, Group IV- Complan. Samples of plaque from representative teeth were collected and pH was measured using an electrode outside the mouth. After baseline pH was recorded, children were given their respective drinks and were asked to consume slowly over a period of three to five minutes following swish with 20 ml of the test drink for one minute. The pH was then recorded after 10, 20, 30, 40 and 60 minutes of the post consumption period. Obtained values were subjected to one-way ANOVA test for multiple group comparison followed by Post-Hoc Tukey's test for group wise comparison.

RESULTS: Twenty minutes after consumption of Complan and Boost, pH was decreased, but not to the critical pH value as in case of sucrose. The pH was found to be slightly increased, 20 minutes post Horlicks consumption. Post 60 minutes consumption of all the drinks including sucrose solution, the pH was increased in comparison to post 20 minutes. However, 60 minutes post consumption of Boost and Horlicks, pH increased above the baseline.

CONCLUSION: Consumption of health drinks viz., Complan and Boost did not lower the plaque pH to the level of critical pH. Consumption of Horlicks increased the plaque pH.