Effect of Chewing Paneer and Cheese on Salivary Acidogenicity: A Comparative Study

AIM The aim was to evaluate the salivary pH reversal phenomenon by chewing paneer and processed cheese after a chocolate challenge. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty caries-free children were randomly selected and divided into 2 groups: Control group was given processed cheese (Amul) and the experimental group was given paneer (Amul) after a chocolate challenge. After determining the resting salivary pH using GC pH strips, the subjects were asked to eat the test foods and salivary pH was measured at time intervals of 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 minutes to record the time taken for the salivary pH to return to baseline values after an acidogenic challenge. RESULTS The data was analyzed and intergroup comparison was done using paired student's t-test. The test meals increased salivary pH after chocolate challenge significantly from baseline values and neutralized the fall in pH after a chocolate challenge. The protective effect was evident after 5 minutes of consuming chocolate and was highest up to 30 minutes after which the salivary pH gradually fell but had not returned to baseline values even at 60 minutes. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that chewing of paneer like cheese abolishes the fall in salivary pH caused by sugar consumption and maybe recommended as a protective food in pediatric diet counseling. How to cite this article: Tayab T, Rai K, Kumari V, Thomas E. Effect of Chewing Paneer and Cheese on Salivary Acidogenicity: A Comparative Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2012;5(1):20-24.