Evaluation of erosive effects of pediatric medicines used in childhood on primary tooth enamel

Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the erosive effects of frequently used medicines in childhood on the surface of primary tooth enamel in vitro. In vitro studies have shown that medicines with low pH and high acidity cause erosion due to the time and frequency of contact with the surface of the tooth. It is especially important to investigate this condition in the group of pediatric patients with chronic disease and therefore need to take long-term medication. Methods: Primary teeth were used in this study. The collected teeth are divided into a total of 7 groups, including control and drug-administered groups. The surface of the teeth is divided into two equal parts by nail polish. In the experimental protocol, only the PH cycle of the control group was applied. Both pH cycle and drugs were applied to the study group. At the end of the seventh day, the samples were analyzed with a mechanical profilometer device, SEM and EDX device. Results: In surface roughness analysis, all drug groups were shown to increase the surface roughness value, Ra. Effects on Ra mean of group and drug administration state interactions were found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). The highest average value was obtained in the Asist group with the lowest pH. A SEM examination showed that all groups of drugs cause distortions on the surface of the enamel. An EDX analysis review found that all drugs cause a decrease in the percentage of calcium and phosphorus on the surface of the enamel. Conclusion: When the results obtained in the study were evaluated, it was found that the Asist group with the lowest pH had the highest surface roughness value, but all drugs caused distortions on the surface of the enamel. For this reason, drugs should be used in a controlled manner, especially when their effects on teeth are evaluated in children.