Sugar-containing medication preparations (e.g., syrups) cause which adverse intraoral effect?

Sugar-containing medication preparations (e.g., syrups) cause which adverse intraoral effect?

• A. Caries
• B. Gingival overgrowth
• C. Osteonecrosis
• D. Stomatitis

Answer: (A)

Sugars in liquid medications feed oral bacteria and increase the risk of dental caries. Bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans metabolize these fermentable sugars into acids that lower the pH at the tooth surface, leading to enamel demineralization and cavities. The syrupy, sticky form helps the sugars linger on teeth, boosting caries risk with repeated dosing, especially in children. You can reduce this risk by using sugar-free formulations when available, rinsing with water after dosing, taking medications with meals, or using a straw to limit contact with teeth; brushing after dosing when feasible also helps. Other listed intraoral effects—gingival overgrowth, osteonecrosis, and stomatitis—are linked to different drugs or conditions and aren’t caused specifically by sugar-containing preparations.

Sugars in liquid medications feed oral bacteria and increase the risk of dental caries. Bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans metabolize these fermentable sugars into acids that lower the pH at the tooth surface, leading to enamel demineralization and cavities. The syrupy, sticky form helps the sugars linger on teeth, boosting caries risk with repeated dosing, especially in children. You can reduce this risk by using sugar-free formulations when available, rinsing with water after dosing, taking medications with meals, or using a straw to limit contact with teeth; brushing after dosing when feasible also helps. Other listed intraoral effects—gingival overgrowth, osteonecrosis, and stomatitis—are linked to different drugs or conditions and aren’t caused specifically by sugar-containing preparations.