Detrimental effects of chronic sugar-sweetened carbonated soft drink consumption on inflammatory response and the size of apical periodontitis: An animal-based study.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic consumption of two sugar-sweetened carbonated soft drinks - one containing caffeine (Coca-Cola®) and one without (Sprite®) - on the progression of periapical lesions and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in rats.

Methodology: Twelve Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n = 4): Control group, Coca-Cola group and Sprite group. The rats in Coca-Cola and Sprite groups were given ad libitum access to their respective soft drinks for 3 months, while the Control group received filtered water.