Medicamentos pediátricos e cáries dentárias - percecões e atitudes de um grupo de tutores pediátricos em Vila Nova de Gaia

Most liquid medications developed for Pediatrics have in its composition sugar, in order to promote its ingestion. However this represents a high risk factor for tooth decay in these ages. The purpose of this research was to evaluate, in a descriptive study, the perceptions and attitudes of the children caregivers against the cariogenic potential of pediatric liquid medications. A questionnaire was distributed to 65 children caregivers (children with ages of 0-12 years old) who have used the 'Child Health' Consultation of the Primary Health Center 'Barão do Corvo', in Vila Nova de Gaia, between November and December, 2008. A descriptive analysis was performed on the results obtained. The results revealed that the therapeutic classes most often cited are: analgesics / antipyretics (96.9%) and antibiotics (81.5%), mostly in the form of syrup. Most of the children caregivers (54%) know the relation between the use of pediatric liquid medication and the development of dental caries in children. Nevertheless, 85% do not perform a correct oral hygiene of the children after this intake. The majority of family doctors, pediatricians or dentists (88%) do not instruct the caregivers for a correct children's oral hygiene after syrups intake. Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that it is necessary to promote oral-health education on this issue among children caregivers and health professionals, so they know the cariogenic potential of this pediatric liquid medications, and may promote a proper oral hygiene after its intake.