pH changes in dental plaque after using sugar-free pediatric medicine

The aim of this study was to compare the pH changes in the dental plaque after rinsing with sugared- (sucrose) or sugar-free (saccharine, cyclamate and sorbitol) versions of the same pediatric acetaminophen solution (ekosetol) up to one hour. Twenty-nine undergraduate dental students (17 girls and 12 boys) collected plaque for 48 hours by abstaining from oral hygiene, during which period they maintained normal dietary habits. Plaque sampling was done in two subsequent days before and 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50 and 60 minutes after rinsing with both solutions. Measurements of pH were done within one hour using a micro pH electrode and a pH meter. All experiments were finished in 6 days by dividing the group to three. Results showed a significant difference between groups in respect to pH values and pH drops after rinsing. Mean pH values were below 5.70 for one hour in sugared solution, whereas no mean pH value was detected below 5.80 for one hour with the sugar-free solution. Minimum pH values (sugar-free: 5.62+/-0.36; sugared: 5.00+/-0.33, p<0.001) and maximum pH drops (sugar-free: -0.57+/-0.26; sugared: -1.16+/-0.44, p<0.001) were also significantly different. No difference was found between genders. We concluded that changing of sucrose to non-acidogenic sweeteners was essential to prevent the cariogenic potential of the pediatric medicines.