An In Vitro Assessment of Cariogenic and Erosive Potential of Pediatric Liquid Medicaments on Primary Teeth: A Comparative Study

AIM: To compare the cariogenic and erosive potential of seven commonly prescribed pediatric liquid medicaments (PLMs) by pediatricians in Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bengaluru. The selected medicaments are: Syp paracetamol (antipyretic). Syp amoxicillin–clavulanate (antibiotic). Syp cetirizine (antihistamine). Syp dextromethorphan (antitussive). Syp salbutamol (antiasthmatic). Syp phenytoin (anticonvulsant). Syp multivitamin (nutritional supplement). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quantitative endogenous sucrose estimation: Lane–Eynon volumetric copper reduction method was used for the estimation. Endogenous pH estimation: The endogenous pH was measured using a digital pH meter at 10% dilution. Quantification of endogenous erosive potential: few caries and restoration-free, exfoliated or extracted primary teeth were utilized to produce 1–1.5 g of enamel powder. A 50 mg of enamel powder was then added to 1 mL of individual PLM. The mixtures were maintained for three-time intervals, 1 minute, 10 minutes, and 8 hours. The samples were then prepared for the estimation of calcium using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. RESULTS: Sucrose was seen in all the PLMs except amoxicillin–clavulanate. Calcium was found to be present in all the PLMs except cetirizine. The highest calcium dissolution was seen within Syp salbutamol and the least with Syp paracetamol. CONCLUSION: Syp phenytoin can be regarded as medicament with the highest cariogenic potential and Syp salbutamol with the highest erosive potential and Syp paracetamol with the lowest cariogenic and erosive potential among the compared and tested PLMs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Considering syrups that have high cariogenic and erosive potential, greater knowledge about the detrimental effects of these drugs should direct us to evolve effective programs to alert parents to follow proper oral hygiene practices or to search for alternative drugs void of such detrimental effects. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Singana T, Suma NK. An In Vitro Assessment of Cariogenic and Erosive Potential of Pediatric Liquid Medicaments on Primary Teeth: A Comparative Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(6):595–599.