Influence of Energy and Soft Drinks on the Surface and Mechanical Properties of Nanofilled Composite Resin

Aim: To evaluate the effect of energy drinks (Redbull and Bison) and soft drinks (CocaCola and 7 Up) on the surface roughness (SR) and microhardness (MH) of Filtek Z350 nanofilled composite resin. Materials and methods: A total of 60 disk-shaped specimens were prepared from Filtek Z350 XT restorative material and randomly allocated to 5 groups (n=12). The specimens were stored in petri dish containing Redbull (Group 1); Bison (Group 2); Coca-Cola (Group 3); 7 Up (Group 4) and distilled water (Group 5/Control). The SR and hardness of the composite specimens were determined after 24 hours (n=6) and 28 d (n=6) of storage in energy and soft drinks. SR (in Ra) was measured using a non-contact optical profilometer and MH (VHN) was tested using hardness tester equipped with a Vickers diamond indenter. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS v.20 statistical analysis software. The data was analyzed using Wilcoxon sign rank test. A P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Result: Group Redbull showed maximum SR at 28 days (0.30 ± 0.11) followed by Bison at 28 days (0.21 ± 0.09). MH test results showed specimens in distilled water with increased MH at 24 hours (114 ± 9.4). The least MH was seen in Redbull (85 ± 12.3) at 28 days. Conclusion: The energy drinks have a substantially damaging effect on SR and MH compared to soft drinks and distilled water; and these effects are increased with duration of exposure