| Abstract [eng] |
Relevance of the problem: many patients do not know which toothpaste to choose and often ask their dentist for advice on the best product to use. Manufacturers are constantly introducing new products, variants and marketing strategies that can confuse the consumer with a multitude of choices. As a result, there is a wide range of toothpastes on the market and it can be confusing for both the consumer and the dentist to recommend the right toothpaste to buy. The aim of the study: was to investigate the choice of toothpaste in major Lithuanian stores by examining the information on the packaging and the list of ingredients. Material and methods: each largest store of MAXIMA, IKI, RIMI, LIDL, NORFA, DROGAS and EUROKOS was selected and their toothpaste assortment was studied. The toothpaste packaging was photographed from all sides. The composition of the toothpaste was analysed and the data on the packaging were presented: presence or absence of fluoride, type and quantity of fluoride, presence or absence of SLS, titanium dioxide, saccharin in toothpastes. Data was collected on the main active ingredients and other additional ingredients with active properties contained in toothpastes, according to the type of toothpaste and the manufacturer. The systematised data are presented in a table. Results: 350 packages of toothpastes belonging to 71 brands were analysed. Of these, 300 toothpastes were for adults and 50 for children. 19% (n = 67) were fluoride-free and 81% (n = 283) were fluoride-containing, of which 71% were sodium fluoride, 16% sodium monofluorophosphate, 2% aminofluoride, 0% stannous fluoride, 1% calcium fluoride, and the two types of fluoride accounted for 10% of the toothpastes. The highest proportion of toothpastes for adults (n = 213, 90%) and children (n = 26, 65%) were those with fluoride levels of 1000 - 1500 ppm. The largest range of toothpastes for adults was found in Drogas (n = 159) and for children in Maxima and Eurokos (n = 26), while the smallest range of products was found in Lidl in both groups. 47% (n = 164) of all toothpastes contained SLS, 44% (n = 154) titanium dioxide and 81% (n = 284) saccharin. Conclusions: There is a wide selection of toothpastes available in the Lithuanian supermarket market. The largest selection of toothpastes is fluoride toothpastes (1000 to 1500 ppm), with sodium fluoride predominating. The lowest quantity of toothpastes was found with tin fluoride. In Lithuanian shops, there is an equal choice between toothpastes with and without SLS, and most toothpastes do not contain titanium dioxide. There is a significantly smaller choice of toothpastes without saccharin than with it. The largest range of toothpastes is available at Drogas. |
