[Czechoslovak toothpaste--present choice, consumption, quality]

The authors made a nation-wide survey focused on the choice, appreciation of different properties of toothpastes and the popularity of different brands. They also evaluated the quality of some toothpastes according to Czechoslovak standards. The results revealed that the attitude of the public as regards toothpastes is correct. The great majority of subjects consider fluorine and therapeutic substances an important part of toothpastes. The majority of subjects are satisfied with the supply, one third of the people complain that some types are in short supply. More than half the subjects ask for toothpastes with texts providing information. The majority of toothpastes met the demand defined by the Czechoslovak standards. Some shortcomings were revealed during organoleptic evaluation and in the technology of production. The authors discuss the small consumption of toothpastes which must be increased by the health educational activities of dental surgeons but also by increased attention of manufactures and the network of shops to the technology, distribution and propagation of toothpastes.