Li Judy, Dallas Sarah, McBride-Henry Karen
N Z Med J. 2016 Jun 10;129(1436):44-51.
International researchers have highlighted an inconsistent knowledge-base for parents and caregivers regarding the use of toothpaste among preschoolers. The New Zealand Government has published recommendations on the use of toothpaste in this age group. This study aimed to explore parents and caregivers' knowledge about toothpaste, with the aim of improving health literacy and overall oral health of New Zealand preschoolers.
The study was conducted via an online sample of parents and caregivers of preschoolers (n=1,056).
Only 19% of the preschoolers in the sample used full-strength fluoride toothpaste. Preschoolers were significantly more likely to use full-strength toothpaste if they were not the first child in the family (OR=1.77, 1.28-2.47) or have previously visited a dental professional (OR=1.84, 1.18-2.85). In addition, parents and caregivers made decisions around purchasing of toothpaste based on the level of trust they had in the brand (59%) and also matching age-specific toothpaste to their child (49%).
The findings of this research highlight the need for timely advice for parents and caregivers on toothpaste choices for preschool children. The New Zealand Government has published recommendations on the use of full-strength fluoride toothpaste for all ages, including pre-schoolers.
国际研究人员强调，家长和照顾者在学龄前儿童使用牙膏方面的知识基础并不一致。新西兰政府已发布了关于该年龄组使用牙膏的建议。本研究旨在探讨家长和照顾者对牙膏的了解，以提高新西兰学龄前儿童的健康素养和整体口腔健康水平。
该研究通过对学龄前儿童的家长和照顾者进行在线抽样调查（n = 1056）。
样本中只有19%的学龄前儿童使用全效含氟牙膏。如果学龄前儿童不是家中的第一个孩子（比值比=1.77，1.28 - 2.47）或之前曾看过牙科专业人员（比值比=1.84，1.18 - 2.85），则他们使用全效牙膏的可能性显著更高。此外，家长和照顾者在购买牙膏时的决策依据是他们对品牌的信任程度（59%）以及为孩子选择适合其年龄的牙膏（49%）。
本研究结果凸显了有必要及时向家长和照顾者提供关于学龄前儿童牙膏选择的建议。新西兰政府已发布了关于所有年龄段，包括学龄前儿童使用全效含氟牙膏的建议。
