Abstract:
Although the 1000 ppm fluoride (F) toothpaste is recommended for all age group, many parents choose 500 ppm fluoride (F) or non-F toothpaste for their toddlers to avoid the possibility of excessive intake of F. Comparison on the efficacy of F toothpastes has rarely been studied in infants and toddlers. This study aimed to compare the caries increment rates of 1000 ppm F, 500 ppm F and non-F (xylitol with triple calcium phosphate) toothpaste in infants and toddlers. One hundred and eighty-three children aged 9- to 18-month (mo) were clustered into 3 groups and randomly assigned according to the toothpaste used over a 12-mo period. Group A: 1000 ppm F toothpaste (1000ppm); group B: 500 ppm F toothpaste (500ppm); and group C: non-F toothpaste with xylitol and triple calcium phosphate (Xylitol). The children’s caregivers received oral health education with hands-on tooth brushing practices several times during the study. Oral examinations were conducted at baseline and after 12 mo. The difference in caries increment among the groups was analyzed by Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). There was no statistically significant difference in dmfs among three groups at baseline. After 12 mo, the incremental dmfs of the 1000 ppm, 500 ppm, and Xylitol groups were 7.30±11.54, 3.87±6.02 and 4.68±6.89, respectively with no statistically significant difference. Thus, low-dose F and xylitol with triple calcium phosphate toothpastes might be the alternatives to high-dose F toothpaste in infants and toddlers age group.
