Abstract

The overconsumption of toothpaste has negative consequences, particularly for children. This study’s objectives were to describe misleading marketing strategies used in selling children’s fluoridated toothpaste and identify warning label characteristics. Two researchers independently coded the packaging from 26 over-the-counter toothpastes that are specifically marketed for children. Aggressive marketing strategies targeting children were identified: every toothpaste in this sample displayed at least 1 children’s animated character, 50% had at least 1 picture of a food item, 92.3% stated they were flavored and 26.9% depicted a full swirl of toothpaste, directly contradicting dentist recommendations for young children. Further, on most toothpaste tubes, warnings regarding fluoride overconsumption for young children were only listed on the back and in very small font. Misleading marketing strategies are regularly used in selling children’s toothpaste as if it is a food product, while warnings regarding overconsumption among youth are minimized. Dental hygienists are in an important position to help parents of young children implement safe oral care practices.

• Related Studies :

  • Recovery from skeletal fluorosis (an enigmatic, American case)

    A 52-year-old man presented with severe neck immobility and radiographic osteosclerosis. Elevated fluoride levels in serum, urine, and iliac crest bone revealed skeletal fluorosis. Nearly a decade of detailed follow-up documented considerable correction of the disorder after removal of the putative source of fluoride (toothpaste). INTRODUCTION: Skeletal fluorosis, a crippling bone

  • 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

  • Total fluoride intake in children aged 22-35 months in four Colombian cities

    OBJECTIVE: To obtain information on the level of total fluoride intake from food, beverages and toothpaste by children at the age of 22-25 months of low and high socioeconomic status (SES) in major Colombian cities. METHODS: Daily fluoride intake was assessed by the duplicate plate method and by recovered toothpaste solution

  • Patterns of fluoride intake from 36 to 72 months of age

    OBJECTIVES: This paper reports on estimated daily fluoride intake from water by itself, beverages, selected foods, dentifrice, and dietary supplements, both individually and combined (mg and mg F/kg bw), among 785 children in the Iowa Fluoride Study from 36 to 72 months of age. METHODS: Children were recruited in 1992-95,

  • 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

• 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 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 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 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.