Abstract
This study was undertaken to investigate the number and types (fluoride or non-fluoride) of toothpaste products available in the Malaysian market based on the label. Thirty-five brands of toothpaste were identified, of which ten (29%) were specifically recommended for children. Two of the children's toothpaste recommended that children below seven years old use a pea size amount of toothpaste. One (3%) was recommended for both children and adult. The remaining 24 (69%) did not state if they were recommended for either children or adults. To improve the flavour of the toothpastes, a variety of flavours had been added especially in children's toothpaste. Almost half of the toothpastes were for prevention of tooth decay and gum disease. Other indications were for tooth sensitivity, tooth whitening and stain removal. Twentyseven (77%) of the toothpastes were imported, while eight (23%) were made in Malaysia. Twenty-six (74%) of the toothpaste contained fluoride and the most common type of fluoride used was sodium monofluorophosphate (NaMFP). The fluoride concentration was not labeled in more than half (63%) of the fluoridated toothpaste. Of those that were fluoridated, different units of measurement were used. As there is no uniformity in the labelling of these products, it is recommended that the responsible authorities should take more action in enforcing proper labelling of the fluoride concentration in the toothpaste using standardized units.
Highlights
The prevalence of dental caries especially among schoolchildren has declined worldwide [1]
The purpose of this study was to investigate the number and types of toothpaste products available in the Malaysian market based on the label
Out of 35 brands available, only three brands were given the endorsement by the Malaysian Dental Association (MDA), two were locally manufactured (Colgate and Colgate Total) and one was imported (Sparkle)
Summary
The prevalence of dental caries especially among schoolchildren has declined worldwide [1]. Several factors have been thought to bring about this reduction and fluoride in drinking water and in toothpaste have been shown to contribute to this decline [3]. Numerous studies have shown that water fluoridation has a great impact on the reduction of dental caries prevalence [1]. The WHO in 1993 [3] reported that in industrialized countries, the decline in the prevalence of dental caries in the past 20 years was attributed mainly to the widespread use of fluoride toothpaste. Fluoridated toothpaste has been suggested to be responsible for 20-35 per cent of caries reduction in developed countries [4]
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