In vitro effect of paediatric liquid medicines on deciduous enamel exposed to biofilm

Abstract

Objective. This study aimed to assess the in vitro effects of paediatric liquid medicines on deciduous enamel exposed to biofilms. Methods. Fragments (n = 25) of first primary molars were covered by nail varnish, leaving a 22 mm² exposure area. Specimens were fixed in polystyrene plates containing BHI broth media. Pooled human saliva was added to form a mature biofilm on fragments over a 10-day period in microaerophilic conditions. Specimens were divided into groups (n = 5 per group) and treated (50 μL) daily for 1 min over 1 week as follows: G1 = 10% sucrose solution (positive control); G2 = Dimetapp Elixir® (antihistamine); G3 = Claritin® (antihistamine); and G4 = Klaricid® (antibiotic). Five other fragments, without treatment and inoculum represented the blank controls. The covered area for each specimen represented the negative control. Cross-sectional hardness of the enamel was used as a demineralization indicator. Results. All treatment groups showed hardness loss compared to the corresponding negative controls (p < 0.05). Among the treatment groups, G2 exhibited the greatest demineralization pattern (p < 0.05) followed by G3, G1 and G4. Conclusion. All medicines caused deciduous enamel demineralization in the presence of biofilm. The greatest hardness loss was observed after treatment with Dimetapp Elixir®.

Key Words::

• dental biofilm
• microhardness
• deciduous tooth
• use of medications

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank CNPq for the research grant, FAPERJ and CAPES for financial support.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest.