A pilot study of preschoolers' use of regular-flavored dentifrices and those flavored for children.
Ingestion of fluoride dentifrice by preschool children recently has been implicated as a risk factor for dental fluorosis. The availability of dentifrices flavored for children could increase fluoride ingestion by young children at risk for dental fluorosis. This article reports results of a pilot study of use of regular-flavored dentifrice and those flavored for children among 29 preschool children. Using a crossover design, larger quantities of fluoride dentifrice specially flavored for children were used compared with the quantities of regular-flavored dentifrice. Pediatric dentists and other health care providers should advise parents to supervise preschoolers' toothbrushing. Preschoolers should use only small, pea-sized quantities of dentifrice to avoid increased risks of dental fluorosis.
Levy
S M
SM
Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242.
Maurice
T J
TJ
Jakobsen
J R
JR
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003802:Dentifrices / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005421:Flavoring Agents; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009050:Fluorosis, Dental / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010865:Pilot Projects; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D003802:Dentifrices; D005421:Flavoring Agents; D005460:Fluorides, Topical