title: Cariogenic Potential of the commonly Prescribed Pediatric Liquid Medicaments in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: An in vitro Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess the cariogenic potential of the commonly prescribed pediatric liquid medicaments (PLMs) for dental disease in Jazan region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven most commonly prescribed PLMs were selected by prior questioning the pediatric dentists as well as general dentists in Jazan region. The endogenous pH and sucrose concentrations of the liquid medicaments were assessed. The endogenous pH was assessed by Hanna pH meter instrument. The sucrose concentration was assessed by anthrone reagent method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All the PLM were acidic. The pH of the PLM ranged from 4.22 to 6.10. All the PLM contained sucrose and its concentration ranged from 5.38 to 11.41 gm% in the samples.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In this study, all the PLM were acidic and contained sucrose. Hence, they have cariogenic potential.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Parents and dentists are unaware of the hidden sugars and cariogenicity of these medications. Strict oral hygiene instructions are mandatory for the children taking these medications. The use of PLM should also be minimized and parents should seek early dental treatment to restore child's oral health.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, Division of Pedodontics, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Phone: +00966536856649, e-mail: meghaaguptaa@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Megha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, Division of Pedodontics, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Suman
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Panda
mesh_terms: D002326:Cariogenic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012529:Saudi Arabia; D012996:Solutions / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D013395:Sucrose / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D002326:Cariogenic Agents; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D012996:Solutions; D013395:Sucrose
keywords: Cariogenicity; Pediatric liquid medicaments; pH Sucrose.