Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the average amounts of fluoridated toothpaste applied by parents to a child’s toothbrush in response to instructions to limit the quantity to a “pea-sized” or “smear” amount.

METHODS: Fifty parents of 12- to 71-month-old children participated in this study. They were presented with three toothbrushes and asked to apply the amount of toothpaste they use typically with their child-a smear or a pea-sized quantity. The results were compared to the recommended weights of 0.25 g (pea-sized) and 0.125 g (smear).

RESULTS: The mean amount applied in response to a “smear” weighed 0.21 ± 0.19 g, which differed from the recommended weight of 0.125 g (P=.002). The mean amount applied in response to a “pea” weighed 0.30 ± 0.21 g, which was greater than but not statistically significantly different from the recommended weight of 0.25 g (P=.10). Parents applied, on average, 0.33 ± 0.24 g of toothpaste when instructed to apply the amount they typically use with their child.

CONCLUSIONS: Most parents use more fluoridated toothpaste than is recommended for young children and verbal instructions to limit the dose are ineffective. Education by demonstrating a smear and pea-sized amounts of fluoridated toothpaste is recommended.

• Related Studies :

  • The prevalence and severity of fluorosis in children who received toothpaste containing either 440 or 1,450 ppm F from the age of 12 months in deprived and less deprived communities

    This study compared fluorosis in the upper central incisors of children from socially diverse backgrounds who had received either 440- or 1,450-ppm F toothpaste from 12 months of age. The children were resident in non-fluoridated districts in the north-west of England. They received either 440- or 1,450-ppm F toothpaste and

  • Systemic fluoride. Sources, amounts, and effects of ingestion

    Fluoride may be ingested from a variety of sources, including many foods and beverages. Fluoride intake varies greatly among individuals and is dependent on dietary constituents and use of fluoride products. Although ingestion of toxic amounts of fluoride is rare, the prevalence of dental fluorosis has increased in North America, suggesting that the levels of fluoride ingestion

  • A quantitative look at fluorosis, fluoride exposure, and intake in children using a health risk assessment approach

    The prevalence of dental fluorosis in the United States has increased during the last 30 years. In this study, we used a mathematical model commonly employed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to estimate average daily intake offluoride via all applicable exposure pathways contributing to fluorosis risk for infants and children

  • Longitudinal evaluation of fluoride levels in nails of 18-30-month-old children that were using toothpastes with 500 and 1100 ug F/g

    OBJECTIVES:  This study aimed to evaluate the fluoride concentration in the fingernails and toenails of children aged 18-30 months during use of fluoride-containing toothpastes supplemented with calcium glycerophosphate (CaGP) or sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP). METHODS:  According to the toothpaste used, children (n = 56) were randomly assigned into three groups: 500 ug

  • Using High Fluoride Concentration Products in Public Policy: A Rapid Review of Current Guidelines for High Fluoride Concentration Products.

    Despite improvements in dental caries levels since the widespread introduction of fluoride toothpastes, it is still a disease which is considered to be a priority in many countries around the world. Individuals at higher risk of caries can be targeted with products with a high fluoride concentration to help reduce

• Related FAN Content :

  • Acute Fluoride Toxicity from Toothpaste Ingestion

    The Food & Drug Administration now requires that all fluoride toothpastes sold in the United States bear the following poison warning: "WARNING: Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional help or contact a poison control center immediately." The

  • Allergy to Fluoride

    Six children and one adult exhibited various allergic reactions after the use of toothpaste and vitaimin preparations containing fluoride. The following conditions were encountered: Urticaria, exfoliative dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, stomatitis, gastro-intestinal and respiratory allergy.

  • Fluoride Dentrifice and Stomatitis

    Statistical data of 133 patients who have been using fluoride dental cream or powder have been presented. Each has developed intraoral ulcerative lesions. Many have been treated for other complaints without clearance of the lesions. Age is not significant. Repeated insults with the fluoride dentrifices produced increasingly severe excoriations. There seems to be nothing specific about the lesions to differentiate them from other diseases of an oral nature.

  • Fluoride Toothpaste: A Cause of Acne-like Eruptions

    I feel that I should share with my colleagues in dermatology an observation relative to the treatment of problem acne.

  • Fluoride & Perioral Dermatitis

    Perioral dermatitis (PD) is a common rosacea-like dermatitis that was never reported prior to the mid-fifties. Although it can affect both sexes and all ages, most patients are women ages 20-50 years. Patients with PD frequently report a pre-existing tendency to blush. This disease is most likely multifactorial in origin, and fluoride preparations in dentrifices probably have played a role as precipitator.