Determination of the pH of beverages consumed by Dental students using pH test strips and the Mettler Toledo SevenExcellence S470 multiparameter pH meter, and its relationship to salivary pH changes.

The present investigation was developed with the hypothesis that the Mettler Toledo SevenExcellence S470 multiparameter pH meter
is more accurate than the Hydrion pH test strips in the
measurement of the pH of beverages consumed by dental students at the Universidad
Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña. The null hypothesis established that both methods offer the
same level of precision.
The objective of the study was to determine the pH of the beverages most consumed by the
students, to analyze the accuracy of both methods and to evaluate the potential impact of these
beverages on oral health. The methodology was based on an observational, descriptive and
cross-sectional study. Three most commonly consumed beverages (coffee, juices and soft drinks) were selected by means of
a survey of preclinical and clinical students of the dental school. Thirty samples of each beverage were collected (totaling 90 samples) and their pH was measured with both
methods.
The results showed that soft drinks were the most acidic beverages, with an average pH
of 3.00 measured with test strips and 2.54 measured with the multiparameter. Juices presented
values of 5.00 (strips) and 4.72 (multiparameter), while coffee had a pH of 5.00 (strips) and
5.30 (multiparameter).

Statistical analysis, using the Mann-Whitney U test, showed no significant
differences between the two methods, leading to acceptance of the null hypothesis, concluding that the
test strips and the multiparameter offer comparable accuracy. This indicates that
test strips, in addition to being an accessible and low-cost alternative, can be used
reliably to measure pH in clinical and academic settings.
The data obtained confirm that soft drinks and juices are highly acidic, which
can favor the demineralization of tooth enamel and increase the risk of dental erosion.
In this sense, it is recommended to promote the reduction of the consumption of these beverages and to encourage
preventive habits such as rinsing the mouth with water after consumption to protect oral health
.
This study provides key information to guide educational actions and promote changes
in beverage consumption patterns among students, highlighting the importance of
pH monitoring as a preventive tool in dental practice.