# Onset and progression of dental erosion in a mouse model

## TL;DR

This study shows how cola drinks cause dental erosion in mice over time, with visible damage appearing as early as two weeks.

## Contribution

The study quantifies early onset and progression of dental erosion in a mouse model exposed to cola drinks.

## Key findings

- Dental erosion in mice exposed to cola showed significant enamel loss and dentin exposure within 2 weeks.
- Lingual tooth height decreased by 35% after 2 weeks, 40% after 4 weeks, and 43% after 6 weeks in cola-exposed mice.
- The findings emphasize the importance of early preventive measures for dental erosion caused by acidic drinks.

## Abstract

Purpose of this research was to examine the onset, progression and wear rates of dental erosion in an established mouse model.

Dental erosion in mice was experimentally induced, and the acidic effects of cola drink on their teeth after 2, 4 and 6-weeks were closely analysed by scanning electron microscopy. The tooth height and enamel or dentin loss were established.

The dental erosion on the molars showed clear progression from 2 to 6 weeks. By the 2-week mark, a significant portion of enamel was already eroded, revealing the dentin on the lingual cusps. When adjusted for attritional wear, molars exposed to cola for 2 weeks showed a 35% drop in lingual tooth height compared to controls (533 μm vs. 818 μm). At 4 and 6 weeks, the cola-exposed group continued to display decreased lingual tooth heights by 40% (476 μm vs. 799 μm) and 43% (440 μm vs. 767 μm), respectively.

This study revealed significant acidic effects of cola drink on mouse molars as early as 2 weeks. These findings highlight the challenge of monitoring dental erosion clinically and underscore the importance of early preventive and intervention measures.