Resumo

PRIETTO, Núbia Rosa et al. Attitudes and knowledge of parents regarding the use of fluoride dentifrices in children aged one to sixty-five months. RFO UPF [online]. 2015, vol.20, n.2, pp. 216-221. ISSN 1413-4012.

Objective: To assess the knowledge of parents on fluoride and dentifrices, as well as their use, and the reason for choosing them. Subjects and method: Cross-sectional study with data collected through interviews with parents of children aged 1-65 months, addressing socioeconomic issues, their knowledge on fluoride, the reason for dentifrice choice, the amount used, and child's oral hygiene habits. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics. Results: 202 parents were interviewed. The mean age of children participating in the study was 35.6 months (±15.06). Parents reported the following criteria for buying the dentifrice: absence of fluoride (20.3%), price (6.9%), flavor (11.4%), brand (10.9%), and 20.8% of parents reported no criterion. As for introducing fluoride dentifrice for the children, 43.1% of parents said that it occurred in up to one year, 21.8% later than one year, and 35.1% did not remember. Regarding the amount of dentifrice used, 32.2% of parents indicated using the longitudinal technique, 41.1% used the cross-sectional technique, 26.2% used the rice grain technique, and 5% did not respond. As for performing oral hygiene alone or with some type of help, in 12.2% of cases it is performed only by the children, while 47.7% of cases involves the help of an adult, and in 40.1% of cases it is performed only by the adult. Conclusion: Parents have knowledge on fluoride and its purpose, but do not use the recommended dose according to age, and there is no awareness regarding the reason for choosing the dentifrice. Thus, investments in education on dentifrices are required for an informed choice and proper use.

Palavras-chave : Fluoride; Preschoolers; Dentifrices.