Objective: This study aimed to assess the in vitro effects of paediatric liquid medicines on deciduous enamel exposed to biofilms.
Methods: Fragments (n = 25) of first primary molars were covered by nail varnish, leaving a 22 mm(2) exposure area. Specimens were fixed in polystyrene plates containing BHI broth media. Pooled human saliva was added to form a mature biofilm on fragments over a 10-day period in microaerophilic conditions. Specimens were divided into groups (n = 5 per group) and treated (50 μL) daily for 1 min over 1 week as follows: G1 = 10% sucrose solution (positive control); G2 = Dimetapp Elixir® (antihistamine); G3 = Claritin® (antihistamine); and G4 = Klaricid® (antibiotic). Five other fragments, without treatment and inoculum represented the blank controls. The covered area for each specimen represented the negative control. Cross-sectional hardness of the enamel was used as a demineralization indicator.
Results: All treatment groups showed hardness loss compared to the corresponding negative controls (p < 0.05). Among the treatment groups, G2 exhibited the greatest demineralization pattern (p < 0.05) followed by G3, G1 and G4.
Conclusion: All medicines caused deciduous enamel demineralization in the presence of biofilm. The greatest hardness loss was observed after treatment with Dimetapp Elixir®.