Cough syrups may lead to tooth decay

Children should always brush their teeth after swallowing cough and cold syrups, as they can lead to tooth decay. Researchers from the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Brazil found that although some medications are necessary for general health, but they can be extremely harmful to the teeth if it is given at bedtime or without following proper oral health habits. The researchers conducted a study involving a popular cough medication used to treat respiratory allergies. The syrup was found to be very acidic, while containing no fluoride and only a small amount of calcium, the factors that could lead to tooth erosion. The investigators studied 70 samples of tooth enamel immersed in various solutions to simulate the normal oral environment during the day and at night for 10 days. An antihistamine cough syrup was repeatedly applied to some of the tooth samples and several were also given daily fluoride treatments. Under the microscope all of the enamel samples exposed to the antihistamine showed signs of erosion, but fluoride protected the enamel and was capable of diminishing the erosive effect of an acid product. Fluoride was considered the fundamental key for the preservation of sound dental tissue in a situation where daily acid challenges were present. Parents need to be aware that long-term use (of syrupy cough medications), especially at bedtime, could cause an increased risk of tooth decay. The effect is very much similar to allowing a child to drink juice before bedtime, in that there is no saliva, increased sugar, increased attack from acid-producing bacteria and an increased risk of decay. Preventing dental erosion of this nature is as simple as maintaining good dental habits. However, brushing and flossing is a very important part of the prevention. If there is no bacteria or plaque to convert the sugar to acid, the risk of decay decreases.