ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Toothpastes available in Europe contain a range of fluoride concentrations, with some meeting the recommended level for caries prevention (>1000 ppm fluoride (ppm)) and others containing low or no fluoride. This study evaluated toothpaste fluoride concentrations in Latvia and Lithuania to inform targeted public health strategies in regions with a high prevalence of dental caries. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2019 to May 2020, using a validated questionnaire in Latvia and Lithuania. Nationally representative samples (1309 families and 5436 members) provided data through a mixed-mode survey (paper and online) on sociodemographic information, toothpaste type, brand, and type. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests (p < 0.05) were used for analysis. RESULTS: Fifteen percent of families used non-fluoridated toothpaste and 12% used <1000 part per million (ppm) fluoride. In Latvia, 56.8% of preschoolers and 28.7% of schoolchildren used <1000 ppm or non-fluoride toothpaste, whereas in Lithuania, 47.2% of preschoolers and 29.1% of schoolchildren used <1000 ppm or non-fluoride toothpaste; 63% of adolescents and 73% of adults used toothpaste with optimal fluoride content (≥1000 ppm). Of the 228 registered toothpaste types, 62% contained more than 1000 ppm, which is optimal for caries prevention; 29% of Latvian and 24% of Lithuanian families used at least one non-fluoridated toothpaste. CONCLUSION: This study revealed significant gaps in the use of fluoride toothpaste among families in Latvia and Lithuania, especially among children. To effectively prevent dental caries, targeted interventions, and education must promote optimal fluoride toothpaste use, particularly among vulnerable populations.
ABSTRACT
Authors developed an idea of seven blocks with different psychosocial factors that could correlate with children's dental anxiety and explain its variance. Aim of the study was to evaluate correlation between psychosocial factors and children's dental anxiety. Totally, 240 randomly selected children (mean age M=7.96, SD=2.61, range 4 to 12) and their parents took part in the study. Parents evaluated their own (MDAS) and their children's anxiety (CFSS-DS). Psychosocial factors were evaluated by a large questionnaire, developed for this study. Dental status was fixed and child's behavior in dental setting was evaluated with Frankl's scale. Pearson's correlation of CDA with all variables and stepwise linear regression with the correlating variables within the seven psychosocial factor blocks was performed. Dental experience and attitude factors (crying at dentist and dental treatment with difficulties) as well as Children's personality and behavior factors (general anxiety and children's behavior at dentist) gave the most effect on CDA, totally explaining 56% and 54% of variance, respectively. Children's medical experience and attitude factors (anxiety and caution towards doctors) as well as Parental/information factors (parental dental anxiety, promising prizes before treatment) explained 34% and 31% of CDA variance, respectively. Socio-economic factors (number of children and mother's age) explained 15%, but oral care habits and attitude (brushing as obligation) - 14% of CDA variance. Family distress factors had no correlation with CDA and were excluded of further analysis. Children's dental anxiety variance is at best explained by Child's dental experience and attitude factors and Child's personality and behavior factors.