ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to evaluate in vitro the endogenous pH, titratable acidity of mouthwashes available in the Indian market. Methods: The study sample was composed of 11 commercial brands of mouthwashes based on different active ingredients. The experiments were performed in triplicate. The endogenous pH was evaluated by using a digital pH meter; titratable acidity was evaluated by the addition of 0.1N NaOH increments to the mouthwashes. Results: pH values ranged from 4.01(CODE K mouth wash containing Terminalia chebula) to 6.58 (CODE E mouthwash containing Diclofenac), and total of six mouthwashes had pH less than the critical value of 5.5, thus classified as potentially erosive. Titratable acidity values ranged from 0.2 (CODE H- Chlorhexidine Gluconate) to 1.2 (CODE I- Thymol, Eucalyptol). Conclusions: Some of the mouthwashes evaluated in this study presented low endogenous pH, even below the critical value for enamel dissolution (pH<5.5), high titratable acidity which may be potentially erosive to the dental tissues if not properly used.