Development of a standardized method for comparing fluoride ingested from toothpaste by 1.5-3.5-year-old children in seven European countries. Part 1: Field work.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a standardized method for measuring the variables affecting fluoride ingestion from toothpaste in young children between the ages of 1.5 and 3.5 years, and to use the method at seven European sites.


METHODS
Random samples of children were invited to take part in the study. Parents who gave consent were visited at home. The children brushed their teeth using the toothpaste brand and toothbrush type currently in use. Variables measured were: type of toothpaste used, fluoride concentration of toothpaste used, weight of toothpaste used, frequency of brushing and body weight of the child.


RESULTS
It was not possible to follow the agreed protocol in all seven countries and in three countries appropriate alternative methods were employed. There was considerable variation between countries in the variables investigated. Use of children's toothpaste ranged from 69% in Ireland to 98% in Portugal. In the Netherlands up to 60% of the children were using toothpaste containing <400 ppm F and in Finland up to 27% of children were using toothpaste containing >1200 ppm F. Over half of the children used <0.25 g of toothpaste per brushing and the majority of children brushed once or twice per day.


CONCLUSIONS
Although adherence to the agreed protocol was not possible at all study sites there was a clear picture of considerable variation in the oral hygiene practices of young children throughout Europe.
Cochran
Judith A
JA
Oral Health Services Research Centre, University College Cork, Ireland.
Ketley
Clare E
CE
Duckworth
Ralph M
RM
Van Loveren
Cor
C
Holbrook
W Peter
WP
Seppä
Liisa
L
Sanches
Leonor
L
Polychronopoulou
Argy
A
O'Mullane
Denis M
DM
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001835:Body Weight; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003625:Data Collection / Q000592:standards; D004739:England; D005387:Finland; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006115:Greece; D006801:Humans; D007055:Iceland; D007223:Infant; D007494:Ireland; D009426:Netherlands; D011174:Portugal; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry*
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D014100:Toothpastes; D005459:Fluorides