Cross-sectional microhardness of bovine enamel subjected to three paediatric liquid oral medicines: an in vitro study.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the in vitro effects of three paediatric liquid oral medicines on bovine dental enamel subsurfaces under pH cycling conditions. METHODS: Bovine enamel blocks were evaluated for surface hardness at baseline for sample selection. 52 intact bovine enamel blocks (16mm(2)) were randomly divided into four groups (n=13) according to the immersion treatments: G1: antibiotic (Klaricid®), G2: antihistamine (Claritin®), G3: antihistamine (Dimetapp®) and G4: control (de-ionised water). The blocks were submitted to pH cycling treatments twice a day for 12 days. The medicines were evaluated for pH, viscosity, and concentration of calcium, phosphate and fluoride. After the treatment period, cross-sectional microhardness (CSMH) measurements of the enamel blocks were taken and the data, expressed in Knoop hardness number (kg/mm(2)) was used to calculate the ΔS. STATISTICS: ANOVA followed by the Tukey test were used for statistical analyses (p<0.05). RESULTS: The antibiotic Klaricid® showed the highest concentration of fluoride, calcium and phosphate. Considering pH and viscosity, the following pattern was observed according to the treatment group: G4>G1>G2>G3 and G1>G2>G3>G4 respectively. Regarding the demineralisation pattern, the following results were observed: G4>G3>G2>G1. Compared to the control, the antibiotic and both the antihistamines provoked less demineralisation of the enamel blocks (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic G1 (Klaricid®) presented an in vitro protective effect against acid attacks probably due to its mineral content and viscosity.