To evaluate the cariogenic and erosive potentials of over-the-counter pediatric oral liquid
antipyretics and
analgesics, we tested nine over-the-counter pediatric oral liquid medications classified as
antipyretic or
analgesic medicines available in Korea. For each substance, we measured the pH with a pH meter and the
sugar content with a
sugar content meter. We determined the titratable acidity (TA) levels based on the volumes of NaOH
solution that had to be added to reach a pH of 7.0. We also evaluated the
dental erosion potentials with an International Organization for Standardization method based on observing changes in the pH of a CaPO4
solution upon introducing a small volume of the
solution to be tested. The oral liquid medications had pH values of 3.40-5.68. In the TA assessments, several oral liquid medications required greater volumes of NaOH
solution to reach a pH of 7.0. The
dental erosion potentials varied but correlated strongly with the NaOH volumes needed to reach a neutral pH (r = 0.84; p < 0.0001). Many oral liquid
antipyretics and
analgesics have features that can promote
dental erosion. A correct understanding of pediatric
antipyretics and
analgesics is required in
dentistry for children's oral health.