ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The higher incidence of dental erosion in children and teenagers possibly reflects a high intake of acidic food and beverages as well as a more frequent diagnosis on this condition. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the erosive potential of acidic filling of chewing gum in primary and permanent enamel. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Eighty enamel blocks (40 primary and 40 permanent teeth) were used and randomly distributed into eight groups. Groups were divided according to types of dental substrates (permanent or primary), frequency of exposure to the acidic substance (2X or 4X/day), and concentration (pure or diluted). Exposure time to the acidic content of the chewing gum was five minutes under agitation, during five days. RESULTS: All groups showed a significant decrease in surface microhardness (P P = 0.002), D3 (pure, 4X/day) and D4 (diluted, 4X/day) (P = 0.009) regarding the concentration, then the diluted acid content was associated with a greater decrease in microhardness. Conclusion: It is concluded that the acidic filling of a chewing gum reduced the microhardness of primary and permanent enamel.