The erosive potential of candy sprays

Objective To determine the erosive potential of seven different commercially available candy sprays in vitro and in vivo.
Material and methods The erosive potential was determined in vitro by measuring the pH and neutralisable acidity. The salivary pH and flow rate were measured in healthy volunteers after administration of a single dose of candy spray.
Results Candy sprays have an extremely low pH (1.9-2.3) and a neutralisable acidity varying between 0.8-1.6 ml of 0.25M NaOH. In vivo, candy sprays induced a short-term 3.0 to 5.8-fold increase in salivary flow rate with a concomitant drop in salivary pH to values between 4.4 and 5.8.
Conclusion All candy sprays tested have an erosive potential. This information is of use for clinicians counselling juvenile patients with dental erosion.