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 :

  • Salivary fluoride concentration following toothbrushing with and without rinsing: a randomised controlled trial.

    Background: Caries prevalence has declined significantly since the introduction of fluoridated toothpaste. There have been several developments regarding specific active fluoride ingredients but not enough evidence to support one over the other. The purpose of this double-blind randomized controlled trial was to compare salivary fluoride concentrations of different

  • Risk factors associated with fluorosis in a non-fluoridated population in Norway.

    In Norway, there is no water fluoridation and little naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water. Fluoride toothpaste is used by 95% of the population and there is a long tradition of fluoride supplement use. The purpose of this study was to record the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis in

  • Fluoride dentifrice ingestion and fluorosis of the permanent incisors

    BACKGROUND: Fluoride dentifrice is a primary means of preventing childhood caries, but it is also an important risk factor for fluorosis. The authors examine the influence of fluoride dentifrice ingestion on fluorosis of the permanent incisors. METHODS: Participants in the Iowa Fluoride Study received questionnaires at regular intervals concerning fluoride sources.

  • Predictors of Plasma Fluoride Concentrations in Children and Adolescents.

    Despite increasing concerns about neurotoxicity of fluoride in children, sources of fluoride exposure apart from municipal water fluoridation are poorly understood. We aimed to describe the associations of demographics, drinking water characteristics, diet, and oral health behaviors with plasma fluoride concentrations in U.S. children. We used data from 3928 6–19-year-olds

  • Cytotoxicity of the Ingredients of Commonly Used Toothpastes and Mouthwashes on Human Gingival Fibroblasts.

    Objectives: Toothpastes and mouthwashes contain ingredients that may be toxic for oral mucosal tissues. This study aimed to assess the cytotoxicity of the ingredients of commonly used toothpastes and mouthwashes. Materials and methods: This experimental study was performed on 16 toothpastes and four mouthwashes widely available in the

• 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

  • Fluoride Toothpaste: A Cause of Perioral Dermatitis

    We have gathered clinical and historical data implicating fluoride dentrifices as an important etiologic factor in this dermatosis. The following two cases support this observation.

  • 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.

  • 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.