| Exposure to strong alkaline substances can result in tooth damage, specifically enamel flaking, according to a Swedish study published in a recent issue of the Journal of Dentistry.
The findings showed that this enamel degradation is very dissimilar from acidic erosion--while no significant erosion or chemical substitution of the apatite crystals themselves could be discerned, significant loss of organic carbon at the enamel surface was found in all exposed samples. The conclusion was that the alkaline-induced degradation of the protective organic layer at the enamel surface may profoundly increase the risk for caries and dental erosion from acidic foods and beverages. It was occupational injuries from reconditioning of cars that attracted the attention of the researchers. The common denominator was exposure to an alkaline degreaser that was sprayed onto various parts of the cars. The spray turned out to have a pH value of between 12 and 14, which is very alkaline.
"Exposure to this substance damaged the surface of the teeth resulting in "flaked" enamel," says Jörgen Norén, professor/senior dental officer at the Sahlgrenska Academy. "This type of damage markedly increases the risk of caries and other dental damage."
Alkaline degreasers are used in the food industry, among other things to clean professional kitchens, but are also common in car care industry and to remove vandalism painting.
"Occupational damage to teeth from exposure to alkaline substances is probably not as common as damage from acidic substances, but it becomes a problem when employers fail to inform employees of the risks or do not give them access to the right protective equipment," says Taube. While the study did not address alkaline foods, some common edibles that are highly alkaline include potatoes, bananas, cucumber, almonds, celery, spinach, and broccoli.
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