Impact of Two Pediatric Syrups on Surface Roughness and Color Stability of Tooth-colored Restorative Materials: An In Vitro Study

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two pediatric syrups on the surface roughness and color stability of tooth-colored restorative materials.Materials and methods: Ninety disk-shaped specimens (10 × 2 mm) were made from resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC), compomer, and nanohybrid composite resin (n = 30 each).Based on immersion media, each material was divided into three subgroups (n = 10): Pediatric multivitamin syrup, pediatric antibiotic syrup, and distilled water (control).Before baseline testing, specimens were polished, standardized using a stainless steel mold, and kept in artificial saliva at 37°C for a whole day.A spectrophotometer (CIE Lab* system) was used to quantify baseline color, and a contact profilometer was used to evaluate surface roughness (Ra).For 14 days, immersion was done for 2 minutes, three times a day, at 37°C, with daily solution renewals.Following the immersion time, final color and surface roughness measurements were made using the same standardized techniques.Results: All restorative materials showed increased color change (ΔE) and surface roughness (Ra) after immersion in pediatric syrups compared to distilled water.Resin-modified glass ionomer cement exhibited the highest discoloration and surface degradation, while nanohybrid composite resin showed the least changes, indicating superior stability.Compomer demonstrated intermediate performance between the two.Pediatric antibiotic syrup caused greater adverse effects than multivitamin syrup across all materials.Overall differences among groups were statistically highly significant (p < 0.001), confirming the influence of both material type and immersion media.Conclusion: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, both pediatric antibiotic and multivitamin syrups significantly discolored and roughened the surface as compared to distilled water.Nanohybrid composite resin and compomer were the most resistant to surface and color changes.The most vulnerable to surface deterioration and discoloration was RMGIC.Overall, surface roughness and color stability were strongly impacted by the type of restorative material. Clinical significance:The esthetic and durability of restorations may be impacted by these drugs' potential to cause discoloration and surface roughness.For children receiving long-term syrup treatment, careful material selection and good mouth hygiene are crucial.