Influence of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on the compressive strength of core build-up bulk-fill resin materials

Abstract

Background: In the oral cavity, restorations and teeth are subject to occlusal stresses, as well as physiological and chemical wear processes. The consumption of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is popular among adolescents, and this habit often persists into adulthood, contributing to tooth erosion. The erosive potential of these beverages is influenced by various factors, including the pH, acid type, buffer capacity, adhesion, chelating effect, and phosphate or calcium or fluoride content of the drink. Several studies have confirmed that the excessive consumption of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages reduces the microhardness and flexural strength of composites.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to compare the compressive strength (CS) of 3 core build-up resin composite materials in the presence of different alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Material and methods: A total of 135 specimens (blocks measuring 5 mm × 4 mm) made from different composites (NexCore™, spee-dee™ build-up, and Ecosite Bulk Fill) were divided into 3 experimental groups (n = 45). The experimental liquids used in each group were artificial saliva, Kingfisher® beer (an alcoholic beverage) and Thums Up® (a non-alcoholic beverage), which were maintained for 24 h at 37°C. The compressive strength of the samples was measured with the use of a universal testing machine.

Results: Nexcore™ and Ecosite Bulk Fill exhibited the highest fracture resistance among the tested liquid mediums. The mean CS for NexCore™ was significantly higher after immersion in alcohol compared to saliva and non-alcoholic medium (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions: The immersion medium affects the CS of bulk-fill composites. Moreover, NexCore™ and Ecosite Bulk Fill composites exhibited substantial CS, while spee-dee™ build-up demonstrated the lowest CS among the tested media.

Keywords: beverages; composite; compressive strength.