Erosive effects of pediatric liquid medicinal syrups on primary enamel: An in vitro comparative study

CONTEXT: The use of liquid medicinal syrups in childhood is high owing to the reasons that children suffer from illness quite often. The acidic component in the formulations may cause erosion to the dental tissues. AIMS: The aim of this study is to evaluate the erosive potential of pediatric liquid medicinal syrups on the deciduous teeth. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of sixty extracted/exfoliated noncarious deciduous molars were used. Four medical syrups were used (viz., 1 – artificial saliva [control], 2 – Ferium XT, 3 – Crocin syrup, 4 – Ambrolite-D) and the teeth were equally divided into the four groups (n = 15) for the immersion cycle, following which the teeth were examined for surface microhardness at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: ANOVA and post hoc analysis were applied. RESULTS: The time and immersion media interaction demonstrated that antitussives produced a significant and gradual loss of surface microhardness on all days (viz., 7, 14, 21, and 28 days), but a statistically significant difference was seen only between 7(th) and 28(th) day (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of the erosive potential of commonly used syrups is mandatory as erosion in children teeth may be associated with dental hypersensitivity, loss of the occlusal vertical dimension, eating difficulties, poor esthetics, pulp exposure, and abscesses. Mouth rinsing with water after taking the medication; addition of calcium, fluoride, or phosphate to formulations; and consumption of the medication at meal times have been recommended to avoid tooth damage that is caused by the regular use of medication.