Effect of Aspirin on the Developing Teeth of Neonates

Abstract

SUMMARY:The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of aspirin (Acetyl Salicylic Acid) on the developing teeth of the fetus while the mothers were treated through out the pregnancy. Aspirin is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug used for symptomatic treatment. However, recent animal studies have indicated a potent teratogenicity of Acetyl Salicylic Acid. Its easy availability without prescription has been associated with high possibility of misuse, especially in the developing world. An experimental control study was carried out where female rabbits being treated with aspirin were taken as mammalian model, and their offspring were used to evaluate the developmental defects in teeth. Quantitative analysis of minerals in three types of the sample teeth, was done using scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Calcium was the most affected mineral and incisors and mandibular molars were found to be the most affected teeth. Voluminous variations were observed in the mineral contents of samples from the treated and control group, however, significant results could not be achieved. A larger sample size could possibly be needed to produce more conclusive results.