FACTORS INFLUENCING THE AMOUNT OF FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE APPLIED BY THE MOTHERS OF YOUNG-CHILDREN

Objective To determine the weight of dentifrice and consequent amount of fluoride placed on a toothbrush by the mothers of young children wh en instructed to apply a pea-sized quantity or smear of two dentifrice s containing different fluoride concentrations from tubes with round o r star-shaped nozzles. Subjects and methods 53 mothers participated in the study and each applied the eight possible combinations of dentifr ice in a random order. Results The mean weight of dentifrice, and ther efore fluoride, applied was statistically less for the smear instructi on than the pea but the difference was small. Significantly less weigh t of Colgate 0-6 gel was applied when compared with Colgate Great Regu lar Flavour (GRF) but the nozzle shape had no significant effect on th e weight of dentifrice applied. Conclusions The difference in fluoride concentration between GRF (1450 ppm F) and Colgate 0-6 gel (400 ppm F ) was the most important determinant of the amount-of fluoride applied .