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Fluoride toothpaste utilization behaviour among preschool children in Perlis, Malaysia
H L Tay1, I S Zainudin, N Jaafar
1Kangar Dental Clinic, Kangar Perlis, Malaysia. tayhongluk@yahoo.com
Community Dental Health
|January 22, 2010
Summary
Many children use fluoride toothpaste daily, but poor habits like adult toothpaste use and excessive amounts may contribute to mild fluorosis. Parental supervision is often lacking, impacting oral hygiene practices.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Public Health
- Dental Hygiene
Background:
- Very mild fluorosis is common in children.
- Poor fluoride toothpaste use habits are a potential contributing factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate toothbrushing frequency and parental supervision.
- Examine toothpaste application, swallowing/spitting habits, and product details.
- Assess the amount of toothpaste used by shape and weight.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 373 children aged 5-6 years.
- Structured interviews and direct observation of toothpaste dispensing.
- Utilized a representative random sample.
Main Results:
- 90% brushed daily; 91.4% used fluoridated toothpaste.
- 50.7% lacked parental supervision; >1/3 used adult toothpaste.
- Most used child-sized brushes, but toothpaste amounts exceeded recommendations (mean 0.43g).
Conclusions:
- Most children use appropriate toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste.
- Insufficient parental supervision and use of adult toothpaste are concerns.
- Excessive toothpaste application by children poses a risk.
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