Effects of Commonly Consumed Pediatric Medications and Drinks on Color Stability of Two Types of Composite Resins: Packable and Bulk-Fill Publisher

Summary: Can common pediatric medications stain dental composites? A study found both packable and bulk-fill resins discolor similarly when exposed, especially to metronidazole. #DentalResearch #PediatricDentistry

Hosseinipour ZS ; Bozhneh M ; Hosseini Z
Source: Journal of Research in Dental and Maxillofacial Sciences Published:2026

Abstract

Background and Aim: Composite resins are widely used in pediatric dentistry, but their color stability may be affected by medications and drinks. Since packable and bulk-fill composites differ in composition, this study aimed to compare their color stability after exposure to commonly consumed pediatric medications and drinks. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, disc-shaped specimens were fabricated from a packable and a bulk-fill composite resin (n=64 from each). After initial spectrophotometric color assessment, the discs underwent pH-cycling. Next, each group was divided into 8 subgroups (n=8) for immersion in distilled water (control), orange juice, chocolate milk, amoxicillin, metronidazole, acetaminophen, iron drop, and multivitamin syrup for 2 minutes every 8 hours for one week. The color of the specimens was then assessed again spectrophotometrically, and their color change (ΔE) was calculated. Data were analyzed by t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey's test (alpha=0.05). Results: The two composite types had no significant difference in ΔE (P=0.733). The discoloration caused by metronidazole, amoxicillin, iron drop, and multivitamin syrup was clinically unacceptable (> 3 units). The discoloration caused by different materials was significantly different within each of the two composite groups (P=0.001), such that metronidazole yielded the highest, and distilled water yielded the lowest ΔE. Conclusion: The research results showed that both packable and bulkfill composite resins experienced comparable discoloration after exposure to different materials, with no significant difference between the two composite types. The results also showed that metronidazole produced the highest discoloration, while distilled water caused the lowest. © 2026 Faculty of Dentistry, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University.