MAXIMIZING ORAL HEALTH: TOOTHPASTE SELECTION AND USAGE EXPLAINED

Abstract

This study by Paolo Melo, Charlotte Fine, and their co-authors, conducted in 2018 across 10 countries, aimed to assess the oral health habits of 7,991 children aged 2 to 12 over a period of 6 to 12 months. The final analysis focused on 5,148 participants, revealing a significant 25% increase in the number of children who brushed their teeth twice daily. Notably, the program's effectiveness was most pronounced among children aged 7 to 9. Following the authors' training, a sustained improvement in brushing frequency was observed, even 6 to 12 months later. The study introduced a systematic approach for enhancing children's knowledge and attitudes toward their oral health. The primary objective was to compile essential information regarding children's toothpaste products available in pharmacies and to enhance healthcare professionals' understanding for prescription purposes (Melo, P. & Fine, Ch. & Malone, S. & Jo, E. (2018)).