Awareness of Fluoride Toothpaste among Parents of Children and Adolescents

Abstract

This study assessed parental knowledge and utilization patterns of fluoride containing dentifrices in the context of youth oral health promotion. A direct questionnaire was administered to 168 parents of young patients who attended the Pediatric Dental Clinic at Yonsei University Dental Hospital between March and May 2024. The findings indicated that while a significant majority (94.6%) of parents acknowledged the importance of fluoride in adult oral care products, their understanding of the potential adverse effects was limited. The study found that 84.5% of children used fluoride toothpaste and 96.4% of parents considered fluoride toothpaste essential for their children. However, a considerable proportion (40.5%) used low-fluoride formulations and many parents lacked awareness of the fluoride concentration (42.3%) and the appropriate dosage for their children (61.3%). Notably, paternal parents had a higher likelihood of being uninformed about fluoride content (24.7%, <i>p</i> = 0.003) and the correct quantity of toothpaste (26.2%, <i>p</i> < 0.05) that children should use. These observations underscore the need for targeted education for fluoride-containing oral care products for parents. Precise guidelines on suitable fluoride toothpaste types and quantities tailored to the developmental stages in children are important for enhancing oral health outcomes in youth.