Health and Development Journal

Health and Development Journal

Evaluation of Children’s Use of Oral Health Products, Familiarity of Parents With These Products, and Their Availability

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Hamidreza Poureslami 1
Maryam Sharifi 1
Hossein Asadipour 2
Ali Basirinia 2
Sajad Raeisi Estabragh 3, 4
Mohsen Mehdinejad 5
Mahla Mazloomian 5
Mahsa Sayadizadeh 1
1 Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Dental Faculty, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
2 Kerman Health Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
3 Department of Prosthodontics and Oral and Dental Diseases Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
4 Department of Prosthodontics, Dental Faculty, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
5 Environmental Health Engineering Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
10.34172/jhad.92333
Abstract
Background: In addition to mechanical methods, mouthwash, toothpaste, and fluoride gels are high-performance methods that can play an important role in reducing plaque and preventing caries in children. The purpose of this study was to determine the availability and use of oral health products related to children, and the familiarity of parents with methods to prevent decay.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a checklist containing questions about the familiarity of parents with and the use of products related to children’s oral health was prepared and then completed by 325 parents of children aged 6 to 9 years who referred to the pediatric department dental clinics of the School of Dentistry. A dental student obtained information about the availability of products from pharmacies using a checklist. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and linear regression tests using SPSS 26 software.
Results: This study showed that parents were relatively familiar with some health products such as dental floss and children’s toothpaste and mouthwash, but the information of parents was not enough on products such as casein phosphate, xylitol, and fluoride gel. About 40% of the pharmacies did not have finger toothbrushes or children’s toothbrush brands. One third of pharmacies did not have children’s mouthwash. No pharmacy had fluoride gel.
Conclusion: This study showed that parents’ familiarity with children’s oral health products was low. Action should be taken to increase the awareness of parents. The reason for the lack of products in pharmacies should also be investigated and the existing obstacles to access them should be alleviated.
Keywords
Mouthwash
Oral health
Fluoride gel
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Health and Development Journal
Volume 11, Issue 2
Spring 2022
Pages 105-109

  • Receive Date 16 May 2023
  • Revise Date 18 July 2023
  • Accept Date 16 August 2023