Effect on dental enamel morphology and physical-chemical analysis of medicines used by pediatric patients with cerebral palsy

Abstract Introduction Many liquid pediatric medicines are considered risk factors for tooth structure. This potential may increase when taken chronically as is the case of some conditions such as cerebral palsy. Objective To evaluate the effect on the morphology of dental enamel and the physicochemical properties of continuous use of drugs given to pediatric patients with cerebral palsy. Material and method The sample consisted of three drugs for epilepsy: Phenobarbital (D1), Carbamazepine (D2), Oxcarbazepine (D3); and one drug for gastroesophageal reflux: Domperidone (D4). All in oral suspension. The pH, content of total soluble solids (TSS), and viscosity of the drugs were analyzed. The tests were made two measurements. For SEM analysis, 15 bovine enamel blocks were randomly distributed and immersed in oxcarbazepine (n=5); carbamazepine (n=5); and artificial saliva (n=5). The immersion cycles were made for 6 days, during 5 minutes, 2 times a day with intervals of 12 hours, when they were kept in artificial saliva. The control group remained in artificial saliva. Data were descriptively analyzed. Result Regarding endogenous pH, values ranged from 2.82 (D3) to 9.60 (D1). For TSS, the highest and lowest mean values were, respectively, 20.5% (D3) and 46% (D1). Viscosity ranged from 6.89 mm2/s (D1) to 58 mm2/s (D3). In SEM, observed alterations suggestive of loss of structure in the enamel in oxcarbazepine and carbamazepine from the action of the drugs analyzed. Conclusion It was concluded that the pediatric liquid drugs analyzed, indicated to patients with cerebral palsy, have the potential cariogenic and erosive, especially the Oxcarbazepine.