Beverages and Your Teeth (Lilach Cary)

Research Question and Hypothesis

What is the effect of different beverages on teeth over time?

Hypothesis: Beverages containing acids or high sugar content will cause teeth to stain and erode.

Standards

MS-ETS1-1

Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

MS-ETS1-4

Experimental Design

For this experiment you will test the effects of different beverages on teeth. Eggs will be used to replace teeth, as they are both made of calcium. The egg shells will be observed for discoloration and also to see if the quality is compromised by cracking.

Independent variable

The independent variable is the beverage being tested.

Dependent variables

The dependent variable is the change observed on the eggs measured by color and cracking of the shell.

Series

Study the change in the egg shell as a function of the different beverages tested over time.

Constants and Controls

Constants: temperature and amount of liquid, amount of time tested, type of eggs used

Control: egg in water

Materials

All materials can be purchase at the grocery store:

• 5 eggs (possible more in case one cracks when boiling)

• 5 plastic cups

• Sharpies (to label each cup)

• One cup each of: coke, pepsi, sprite, coffee, and water

Procedures

1. Boil 5 eggs. The shells will represent teeth, as they are made of calcium.

2. Place each egg in a cup of each of the following liquids: coffee, coke, pepsi, sprite, and water.

3. After 12 hours, remove eggs from each cup and observe.

4. Return eggs to their respective cups and allow to sit for another 12 hours.

5. Remove eggs from each cup and observe. Sample data and graphs

Include raw data and graphs. Make certain to include units in all measurements, titles on all graphs, and labels on all axes.

Analysis & Conclusions

While people don't typically sit with any of these liquids in their mouths all day, as was done with these eggs, over time drinking these beverages definitely damage teeth. The coffee seemed to do the worst with staining, but the coke and sprite both had a lot of pitting, probably due to the high sugar content. From this I would suggest that people should brush their teeth as soon as possible after drinking any of these to help lessen the damage caused to the teeth.

Photos & Movies

References

Soda Experiment