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Impact of sugar-sweetened beverages on salivary parameters: A systematic review & meta-analysis

Evidence-Based Dentistry volume 26, pages 152–153 (2025)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Introduction

Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSB) can significantly influence saliva leading to a more acidic environment which makes our oral cavity prone to various oral diseases. This study investigates the influence of SSBs on salivary parameters by analyzing the existing plethora of research.

Objective

To systematically review and analyze the impact of SSBs on changes in salivary pH, flow rate and bacterial proliferation.

Methodology

Pubmed, Embase, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched using the PECO strategy. Risk of Bias was assessed using Newcastle Ottawa Scale and Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tools. Meta-analysis was conducted among the eligible studies using a random effects model.

Results

A total of twenty eight studies were found eligible after a thorough PRISMA search in the databases. Many studies consistently demonstrated a rapid decline in salivary pH post-SSB consumption, creating an acidic environment conducive to enamel demineralization. Few studies also reported reduced salivary flow rate and prolonged oral clearance times. Increased proliferation of acidogenic bacteria and fungi was noted. Risk of bias was low overall, but a few studies reported limitations such as randomization bias and missing data.

Conclusion

Consumption of sugar sweetened beverages significantly impact salivary parameters, fostering an oral environment prone to diseases such as dental caries and periodontal infections. Public health interventions and policies are essential to reduce SSB consumption and promote oral health.

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Data availability

The data sets used and analyzed in the study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dental Officer, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, Agartala Government of India, Agartala, India

    Paramarshi Das

  2. Technical Specialist, Cessation Vital Strategies, Delhi, India

    Upendra Singh Bhadauria

  3. Division of Public Health Dentistry, Centre for Dental Education and Research, All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi, New Delhi, India

    Bharathi M. Purohit & Harsh Priya

  4. Department of Public Health Dentistry, Agartala Government Dental College & IGM Hospital, Agartala, Tripura, India

    Prasanta Majumder & Manali Deb Barma

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  1. Paramarshi Das
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  2. Upendra Singh Bhadauria
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  3. Bharathi M. Purohit
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  4. Harsh Priya
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  5. Prasanta Majumder
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Contributions

Study conception and design: Paramarshi Das, Manali Deb Barma. Data collection: Manali Deb Barma, Bharathi M Purohit, Paramarshi Das, Harsh Priya, Prasanta Majumder. Analysis and interpretation of results: Manali Deb Barma, Upendra Singh Bhadauria Bharathi M Purohit. Draft manuscript preparation: Manali Deb Barma, Upendra Singh Bhadauria, Prasanta Majumder. All authors reviewed the results and approved the final version of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Manali Deb Barma.

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Das, P., Bhadauria, U.S., Purohit, B.M. et al. Impact of sugar-sweetened beverages on salivary parameters: A systematic review & meta-analysis. Evid Based Dent 26, 152–153 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41432-025-01147-2

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