Assessment of the knowledge and perception of parents about toothpastes used in 2-12 year-old children – A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction:Fluoridated toothpastes account for the worldwide decline in caries prevalence,though knowledge of parents pertaining to it is scarce. Hence, the aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and the perception of parents about toothpastes used in 2-12 year-old children. Methodology: Seventy five parents were administered a 12-point validated questionnaire to assess their knowledge and perception through variables such as purpose, contents, harm, etc. The categorical variables were represented as proportions and assessed using x2 test. Results: 59% of parents chose the toothpastes for prevention of tooth decay. 37% of parents were aware about the benefits of the toothpastes (p<0.168).while80% of parents were unaware about the harms of fluoridated toothpastes (p<0.775). Few parents were aware about the contents of the toothpastes, statistically significant (p<0.003). Conclusion: Parents had limited knowledge pertaining to contents, benefits and harms of the toothpastes. Keywords: Toothpaste, knowledge, perception, parents