Identification and Analysis of the Fluoride Concentration in Toothpastes Intended for Children

• Published in: Pesquisa brasileira em odontopediatria e clínica integrada Vol. 19; no. 1; pp. 1 - 7
• Main Authors: Santos, Natanael Barbosa dos, Monteiro, Raquel Brandão Leal Inojosa, Silva, Laisll Viana dos Santos, Albuquerque, Sylvia Amélia Vasconcelos, Silva, Francis Ribeiro, Romão, Dayse Andrade
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Associação de Apoio à Pesquisa em Saúde Bucal 2019
• Subjects: DENTISTRY, ORAL SURGERY & MEDICINE; Toothpastes; Fluorides; Dentifrices; Dental Caries
• ISSN: 1519-0501; 1983-4632
• DOI: 10.4034/PBOCI.2019.191.47

Abstract Objective: To identify the commercially available toothpastes intended for children and their total soluble fluoride concentrations (TSF). Material and Methods: Twelve brands of toothpastes intended for children marketed in supermarkets and pharmacies were found and analyzed: Bitufo®; Colgate Smile®; Lilica Ripilica®; Even Baby®; Turma da Mônica Baby®; Loney Tunes®; Loney Tunes Baby®; Malvatrikds Baby®; Oral B Stages®; Sanifil Kids®; Tandy®; Tra-lá-lá Baby®. Duplicate samples of each toothpaste were weighed (+/- 90 to 110 mg) and diluted in 10 mL of distilled water under stirring. To evaluate soluble fluoride, duplicate aliquots of supernatant suspensions were evaluated on specific ion fluoride electrode calibrated with fluoride standard solutions and results expressed in ppm F according to established protocol. Results: According to information provided by manufacturers, 5 non-fluoridated toothpastes, 3 toothpastes with less than 1000 ppm F and 4 toothpastes with conventional fluoride concentration (1100 ppm F) were identified. After analysis of soluble fluoride of fluoridated toothpastes, only 02 presented TSF concentration equal to or greater than 1000 ppm F. The TSF concentration (mean ± SD) for all samples ranged from 8.2 ± 0.1 to 1065.9 ± 24.7 ppm F. Conclusion: Few toothpastes intended for children presented soluble fluoride concentrations capable of preventing dental caries. Additionally, regulatory measures need to be implemented for the marketing of toothpastes intended for children with at least 1000 ppm of soluble fluoride, especially in locations without other sources of fluoride (fluoridated water) for the population.