For administering liquid oral iron to a child, which method is recommended to avoid staining the teeth?

• A. Administer iron with breastmilk in a bottle
• B. Mix iron with cereal to administer
• C. Administer iron through a straw
• D. Mix iron with formula to administer

Answer: (C)

When liquid iron is given, it can leave a stain on tooth enamel if the iron sits on the teeth during administration. The simplest way to reduce this contact is to direct the liquid toward the back of the mouth, which minimizes exposure of the visible front teeth. Administering the iron through a straw accomplishes this by guiding the medicine away from the teeth and toward the back of the mouth.

Mixing iron with cereal or formula or giving it with breastmilk in a bottle tends to keep the iron in the mouth longer and over the teeth, increasing the chance of staining. After dosing, offering a small amount of water to rinse the mouth can further help remove any residue and prevent staining.