The erosive potential of lollipops

Aim: To determine the erosive potential of several commercially available lollipops and the protective effect of saliva. Methods: The erosive potential of lollipops was determined in vitro by measuring the pH and neutralisable acidity. Subsequently, 10 healthy volunteers tested different types of lollipops. Whole saliva was collected 5 minutes before, 15 minutes during and 10 minutes after consumption. Salivary flow rate and pH were determined. Results: Fruit flavoured and cola flavoured lollipops have a very low pH (2.3 - 2.4). Yogurt- containing and salmiak (salty liquorice) flavoured lollipops have much higher pH values (3.8-4.7). The neutralisable acidity of 1g of lollipop showed a large variation from < 200μl to > 1700μl 0.1 M NaOH. In vivo, lollipops induced 2.5 to 4.7-fold increase in salivary flow rate with a concomitant drop in salivary pH. For fruit flavoured and cola flavoured lollipops the salivary pH dropped below pH 5.5. For strawberry yogurt and salmiak lollipops, the salivary pH remained above this critical value. The volunteers did not report significant differences in preferences for the lollipops. Conclusions: Lollipops differ considerable in erosive potential, with fruit flavoured and cola flavoured lollipops having the highest risk for inducing dental erosion. This information is of use for clinicians counselling juvenile patients with dental erosion.