The preventive management of extensive caries induced by self-administered medications: a case report

The cariogenic properties of simple sugars are less well appreciated than those of sucrose. The clinical features of an adult patient who presented with extensive caries of unknown etiology are described. The predominant etiologic factor was prolonged usage of self-administered mineral supplements containing lactose. The preventive management strategies are described, and an approach to dietary counselling for patients using unusual self-administered medications is outlined.