The Effect of Previous Diet on Plaque pH Response to Different Foods

In this study we investigated the effect of previous diet on the response of plaque pH to three test foods. The study population consisted of 11 dental students. Plaque pH was measured, by means of the touch electrode method, on the first two upper molars. The study was conducted at two sessions, one week apart. Subjects followed a 48-hour high-sugar diet before the first test session and a 48-hour low-sugar diet before the second test session. During both 48-hour periods, students refrained from all oral hygiene practices and fluoride utilization. At each session, three foods were ingested at one-hour intervals : cola, beer, and chocolate bar. pH measurements at baseline and at selected times after food ingestion were recorded and analyzed. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant independent effects of food, previous diet, and their interaction on plaque pH. After the same foods were ingested, plaque pH response after a previous high-sugar diet was significantly more acidic than after a previous low-sugar diet.