Evaluation of knowledge of fluoride in toothpaste among older adults

Authors

  • Emily Aylin Cagua Ramírez
  • Marco Rene Barreto Montilla
  • Jaime Fernando Armijos Moreta
  • Silvia Marisol Gavilánez Villamarín

Keywords:

Fluoride, dentifrices, older adults, knowledge assessment, remineralizing agents

Abstract

Introduction: The evaluation of knowledge about fluoride in toothpastes is fundamental since it makes it possible to ensure the efficacy of these products in the prevention of dental caries.
Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of fluoride in toothpastes in older adults residing in the "Amigos De La Tercera Edad" Foundation in Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador.
Methods: Observational, prospective, cross-sectional, and descriptive study. Data were collected by applying a questionnaire to 20 Ecuadorian older adults that measured knowledge about fluoride in toothpastes.
Results: In the present study, knowledge about fluoride in toothpaste was evaluated in the Ecuadorian older adults who made up the study population, showing that they are scarce by manifesting gaps regarding, fundamentally, not brushing their teeth frequently; incorrect brushing technique; excessive foaming in the mouth; not using dental floss and mouthwash; excessive amount of toothpaste; and insufficient visits to the dentist.
Conclusions: The authors consider that there are different future studies that can be proposed within the line of research on the use of fluoride in the prevention of dental caries, including the evaluation of toothpastes with high concentration fluoride, the combined use of fluoride with other remineralizing agents, long-term follow-up studies, and the evaluation of the economic impact of the use of fluoride in the prevention of dental caries.

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Published

2023-07-02

How to Cite

1.
Cagua Ramírez EA, Barreto Montilla MR, Armijos Moreta JF, Gavilánez Villamarín SM. Evaluation of knowledge of fluoride in toothpaste among older adults. Rev Cubana Inv Bioméd [Internet]. 2023 Jul. 2 [cited 2025 Oct. 9];42(2). Available from: https://revibiomedica.sld.cu/index.php/ibi/article/view/2903