Frequently Asked Questions
Q: The antibiotics damaged my child's teeth?
A:
It is not the antibiotic but the syrup component
which causes the harm. In fact the antibiotic, usually penicillin,
actually kills the bacteria which cause the dental disease. It is the
sugary syrup given when the saliva is low (from dehydration, or at
night) which is the problem. This is why we recommend parents ask for a
sugar-free medication or give the tablet form as soon as the child will
take it. Any sugar-containing medication should be given from a syringe
with the child’s head lying down and to the side. This way the
medication is syringed down the throat without causing gagging. It is
surprising that most pharmacists give a syringe for medicines to babies,
but give a spoon for children with teeth! Please, Mums, give all
sugar-containing medicines from a syringe.
Answer taken from "ABC's of children's teeth" - chapter 'M'- Misconceptions.
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