Preschool children's taste acceptance of highly concentrated fluoride compounds: effects on nonverbal behavior

The aim of this video-based study was to examine the taste acceptance of children between the ages of 2 and 5 years regarding highly concentrated fluoride preparations in kindergarten-based preventive programs.

The fluoride preparation Duraphat was applied to 16 children, Elmex fluid to 15 children, and Fluoridin N5 to 14 children. The procedure was conducted according to a standardized protocol and videotaped Three raters evaluated the children's nonverbal behavior as a measure of taste acceptance on the Frankl Behavior Rating Scale. The interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient; ICC) was .86. In an interview, children indicated the taste of the fluoride preparations on a three-point "smiley" rating scale. The interviewer used a hand puppet during the survey to establish confidence between the children and examiners.

Children's nonverbal behavior was significantly more positive after Fluoridin N5 and Duraphat were applied compared to the application of Elmex fluid. The same trend was found during the smiley assessment. The response of children who displayed cooperative positive behavior before the application of fluoride preparations was significantly more positive than those who displayed uncooperative negative behavior.

To achieve a high acceptance of the application of fluoride preparations among preschool children, flavorful preparations should be used.