In vitro alterations in dental enamel exposed to acidic medicines

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2011; 21: 141–150 Objective.  To evaluate the effect of acidic medicines (Klaricid®, Claritin®, and Dimetapp®) on surface enamel in vitro. Methods.  Enamel blocks (n = 104) were randomly distributed into two groups: G1 (pH-cycling simulating physiological oral conditions) and G2 (erosive conditions). Each group was divided into four subgroups, three to be immersed in the medicines and the control in deionized water. Specimen surfaces were evaluated for roughness and hardness at baseline and again after the in vitro experimental phase, which included 30 min immersions in the medicines twice daily for 12 days. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also performed after the in vitro experimental phase. Results.  All medicines produced a significant reduction in hardness in G1 after 12 days (P < 0.05). The three medicines promoted greater roughness after both pH-regimens – G1 and G2 (P < 0.01), except for Claritin in G1. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed erosive patterns in all subgroups. Dimetapp® showed the most erosion and Klaricid® the least, in both groups. Conclusion.  Dimetapp® (lowest pH and viscosity) and deionized water (control) showed the most pronounced erosive patterns. Klaricid® (highest pH and viscosity) presented an in vitro protective effect against acid attacks perhaps due to its mineral content and viscosity.