The drop technique: a method to control the amount of fluoride dentifrice used by young children.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the amount of dentifrice applied to the toothbrush by school children using a liquid dentifrice (drop technique), when compared to toothpaste.


METHODS
A total of 178 school children (4-8 years old) from two cities in Brazil (Bauru and Bariri) participated in the present two-part crossover study. Children from Bauru received training regarding tooth-brushing techniques and use of dentifrice before data collection. In each phase, the amount of toothpaste or liquid dentifrice applied by the children to the toothbrush was measured, using a portable analytical balance (+ 0.01 g). Data were tested by analysis of covariance (Ancova) and linear regression (p < 0.05).


RESULTS
The mean (+/- standard deviation) amounts of toothpaste and liquid dentifrice applied to the toothbrushes for children from Bauru were 0.41 +/- 0.20 g and 0.15 +/- 0.06 g, respectively. For children from Bariri, the amounts applied were and 0.48 +/- 0.24 g and 0.14 +/- 0.05 g, respectively. The amount of toothpaste applied was significantly larger than the amount of liquid dentifrice for both cities. Children from Bariri applied a significantly larger amount of toothpaste, when compared to those from Bauru. However, for the liquid dentifrice, there was no statistically significant difference between the cities. A significant correlation between the amount of toothpaste applied and the age of the children was verified, but the same was not found for the liquid dentifrice.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of the drop technique reduced and standardised the amount of dentifrice applied to the toothbrush, which could reduce the risk of dental fluorosis for young children.
Vilhena
Fabiano Vieira
FV
Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Public Health, Bauru Dental School, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Silva
Henrique Mendes
HM
Peres
Silvia Helena de Carvalho Sales
SH
Caldana
Magali de Lourdes
Mde L
Buzalaf
Marília Afonso Rabelo
MA
D000367:Age Factors; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003802:Dentifrices / Q000737:chemistry*; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009050:Fluorosis, Dental / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D014099:Toothbrushing
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D003802:Dentifrices; D005459:Fluorides