Changes in the dental plaque pH due to pediatric liquid medicaments

Background: The deleterious effect of liquid oral medicaments has been studied since 1953. Many coworkers have confirmed that these preparations are cariogenic and acidogenic in nature. In vitro studies have observed that the commonly used pediatric liquid medicaments (PLMs) are acidogenic and cariogenic in nature. Aim: To assess the change in the dental plaque pH after oral rinsing with the commonly prescribed PLMs. Materials and Methods: For the study purpose, eight commonly used PLMs were selected. On the test day, first the baseline resting plaque pH was measured, and then the volunteers were asked to rinse 5 ml of the sample PLM and asked to swish all around the oral cavity for 10 s and then to spit out. The supragingival plaque samples were collected using harvesting method at baseline and at different time intervals, following rinse with each medication. The pH of plaque was determined using a digital pH meter. The obtained data were statistically analyzed using one ANOVA and Tukey's multiple post hoc test. Results: A significant decrease in plaque pH was recorded in most of the subjects; maximum pH drop was seen within min of rinse of PLM. Among all the PLM, Crocin ® showed maximum drop in plaque pH. There was a gradual recovery to the near-normal pH within 60 min. Conclusions: Reducing the cariogenic potential of PLM should be a matter of concern to all health professionals.