Effect of pediatric drugs on color stability of various esthetic restorations in pediatric dentistry

Background: Maintenance of color throughout the functional lifetime of restorations in teeth is needed for its durability. Color changes have been considered as the major problem of dental restorations. Long-term usage of pediatric liquid medications can stain the tooth as well as the restorative materials whose longevity and acceptability are directly proportional to its color stability. Aim: The present study aims to evaluate and compare the effect of pediatric drugs on the color stability of different esthetic restorations. Methodology: Three different restorative materials such as glass-ionomer cement, composite, and ACTIVA KIDS were used to prepare a total of 150 (50 from each) specimens. These specimens were divided into five experimental subgroups (n = 10), which were immersed in 5 different liquid medicines. The color stability of all specimens was evaluated by colorimeter before and after the immersion period. Results: Composites in iron supplements showed the highest color changes, and the least changes were seen in the ACTIVA KIDS - Ibuprofen group. Conclusion: ACTIVA KIDS is found to be the most resistant to discoloration followed by GIC and composite. Iron supplements showed the highest staining ability among all the medications.