Chanya Chuenarrom, Paitoon Daosodsai, and Pichate Charoenphol

pp. 445 - 450

Abstract

The effect of chlorinated water on tooth erosion was studied. Tooth specimens were bathed in a pH cycling system
of chlorinated water and artificial saliva under one of the following conditions: I) a 4 hour continuous cycle, and II) a 1 hour/
day cycle for 4 weeks. Each group was divided into four subgroups for testing in chlorinated water with pH of 2, 3, 4 or 5.
Enamel loss and percentage of surface microhardness change (%SMC) were measured. After 4 hour, chlorinated water with
pH 2, 3, 4 and 5 produced enamel loss of 1.4, 0.4, 0.0 and 0.0 micrometers, and %SMC was reduced by 57.2, 13.7, 2.9 and
-0.2% respectively. After 4 weeks, erosion was recorded at 63.3, 1.0, 0.0 and 0.0 micrometers, and %SMC was reduced by
97.2, 52.1, 5.7 and 1.5%, respectively. The study revealed that the pH level of chlorinated water and the duration of exposure
are important factors in enamel erosion.