Relationship of pH and the viscosity of five different iron supplements with the absorption of iron ions and enamel discoloration in the anterior primary teeth (an in vitro study)

BACKGROUND: Various iron drops are prescribed to children to prevent iron-deficiency anemia. The current study aimed to evaluate and compare the physicochemical profile of iron drops and the effect of these medicines on the color of primary teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On the commencement of this experimental study, the pH and viscosity of five types of iron drops were measured. For the purpose of the current study, sixty healthy anterior deciduous teeth were provided; thereafter, they were assigned to five groups and then exposed to iron drops. The color and color difference of each specimen were measured by VİTA Easyshade Compact after 2 weeks. The amount of absorbed iron was determined by atomic absorption. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: As evidenced by the obtained results, all medications demonstrated acidic pH and discoloration. The viscosity values of iron drops were reported to be within the range of 2.07–33.58 cP. Based on the results of Pearson's correlation coefficient test, discoloration showed a correlation with pH and atomic absorption (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Analyzed iron drops displayed low pH and discoloration higher than 3.3 which can be easily distinguished with naked eyes. Medicine labels should include warning statements on the feasibility of dental discoloration and erosion.