Relationship between pediatric liquid medicines (PLMs) and dental caries in chronically ill children

Abstract

Introduction: Purpose of this research is to assess the relationship between long-term pediatric liquid medicines (PLMs) consumption and dental caries in 2–12-years-old chronically ill children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in a public pediatric hospital in India for a period of 6 months. A total of 455 children aged 2–12 years old with various chronic diseases who were receiving PLMs for more than 6 months were selected as the subjects in this study and compared with 531 children of similar age group and diseases who received other forms of medication. Dental caries was measured by DMFT/dmft and data collected were analyzed with SPSS (17th version) using statistical tests such as t-test and one-way ANOVA. Univariable logistic regression was used where the significance was fixed at a a p value of less than 0.001. Results: Children on PLMs had an increased risk of dental caries than those on other forms of medications (OR: 3.142, 95% CI: 2.37–4.15, p < 0.001). The prevalence of dental caries was higher (77.8%) in children consuming PLMs when compared to other forms of medication (52.7%). The mean DMFT and dmft scores were significantly higher in the study group when compared to the control group (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Long-term consumption of pediatric liquid medicines containing sucrose as a risk factor for dental caries among chronically ill children. sugar free options has to be used during prescription to prevent medication-triggered caries.Keywords: Paediatric liquid medicine, medication-triggered caries, sugar-free medication

Sugar content and erosive potential of commonly prescribed Orodispersible tablets- An in vitro study.

“…45 Our study showed no significant difference in the amount of sugar content in longterm and short term ODTs which was like that reported by Siddiq et al The long-term use of ODTs can be a potential risk for the development of caries especially among children. 22,23 According to Passos et al only 5% sucrose concentration is required to form the cariogenic biofilm. 45 The majority of the ODTs contain carbohydrates as an excipient which plays a vital role in forming a tablet.…”

“…[18][19][20] The routine use of LOMs and its relation to caries have been linked in numerous studies. [21][22][23][24] It is known that most of the common paediatric LOMs can cause dental erosion since their pH is below 5.5. 13,15,25 But the literature on ODT's erosive potential and sugar content in the Indian pharmaceutical market is lacking.…”

Sugar content and erosive potential of commonly prescribed Orodispersible tablets- An in vitro study.

“…45 Our study showed no significant difference in the amount of sugar content in longterm and short term ODTs which was like that reported by Siddiq et al 35 The long-term use of ODTs can be a potential risk for the development of caries especially among children. 22,23 According to Passos et al only 5% sucrose concentration is required to form the cariogenic biofilm. 45 The majority of the ODTs contain carbohydrates as an excipient which plays a vital role in forming a tablet.…”