MECHANISMS OF DEVELOPMENT AND EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF ACIDIC EROSION AND DENTIN HYPERSENSITIVITY INDUCED BY ENERGY DRINKS

Abstract

To investigate the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the development of acidic erosion and dentin hypersensitivity induced by energy drink consumption, and to establish criteria for their early clinical, laboratory, and index-based diagnosis. A total of 220 patients aged 16–50 years (stratified into three age groups) underwent comprehensive clinical examinations. Acidic enamel wear was assessed using the international BEWE index, while the severity of dentin hypersensitivity was quantified via tactile and pneuma-thermal testing using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Salivary flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity were dynamically evaluated using digital electrochemical and express methods. Low pH and beverage-induced hyposalivation are the key drivers of enamel hydroxyapatite dissolution and dentinal tubule unroofing. Integrating BEWE scoring with pneuma-thermal VAS testing provides an effective framework for early diagnosis.