Relation between medicines sweetened with sucrose and dental disease.

The teeth of 44 children aged under 6 years who had been taking syrup medicines regularly for at least six months were compared with those of a control group of 47 children of similar ages. Dental disease was assessed by measuring dental caries, dental plaque, and gingivitis. The children who were receiving sucrose-based medicines had significantly more carious teeth and gingivitis. It is concluded that sucrose-based medicines continuously administered to children cause dental caries and gingivitis. Liquid medicines for children should be either unsweetened or sweetened with non-cariogenic substances.