An in vitro investigation of the effect of some analgesics on human enamel.
The sale of over-the-counter pain relief medication has increased dramatically in recent years, and typically amounts to several hundred thousands of pounds per year in the UK. Many soluble analgesic preparations contain citric acid, and it has been suggested that these formulations may cause dental erosion. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of some over-the-counter analgesics on tooth surface loss from human enamel. Six commonly available analgesics were chosen for this study and the effect of immersing unerupted human enamel was examined using non-contact optical profilometry. Two of the six analgesics investigated caused no detectable erosion (Boots soluble aspirin and Anadin Extra). Three caused statistically significant enamel erosion, but this was very slight and is thought to be clinically insignificant (Alka Seltzer, Panadol and Solpadeine). Only one analgesic caused possible potentially clinical significant enamel erosion. Further studies are needed to determine whether Aspro causes clinically significant enamel erosion.
McNally
L M
LM
Division of Restorative Dentistry, Department of Oral and Dental Science, University of Bristol, Bristol Dental School and Hospital, Bristol, UK. l.m.mcnally@bristol.ac.uk
Barbour
M E
ME
O'Sullivan
D J
DJ
Jagger
D C
DC
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000187:drug effects*; D003747:Dental Enamel Solubility / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration / Q000187:drug effects; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000187:drug effects; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000494:pharmacology; D010710:Phosphates / Q000032:analysis; D012996:Solutions; D013997:Time Factors; D014077:Tooth Erosion / Q000139:chemically induced
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D010710:Phosphates; D012996:Solutions; D002118:Calcium