Abstract

SCABAR, Luiz Felipe; AMARAL, Regiane Cristina do; NARVAI, Paulo Capel  and  FRAZAO, Paulo. Validity of an indirect assessment instrument on the frequency of brushing with toothpaste. Rev. Bras. Odontol. [online]. 2016, vol.73, n.1, pp. 39-46. ISSN 1984-3747.

The effect of fluoride dentifrice in the prevention of tooth decay increases with the frequency of use. This frequency has been estimated in populations using indirect instruments, however, their validity is still unknown. This study aimed at determining the validity of indirect instruments related to the amount of dentifrice used, the size of the brush head and the frequency of brushing with toothpaste. Except for the size of the brush head, the values corresponding to the amount of toothpaste used and the frequency of brushing were overrated by the indirect instrument. The estimates obtained using the indirect instrument in this study should be considered with caution.

Keywords : Public Health; dentifrice; toothpaste; frequency; brushing; adolescent..