| Abstract [eng] |
Relevance and purpose of the problem. The Lithuanian market offers a wide variety of toothpastes with manufacturers claiming that their use can positively impact periodontal health. Many consumers face the issue of uncertainty when trying to choose a toothpaste that could improve their oral health. The aim of this study is to analyse the ingredients of toothpastes available on the Lithuanian market, identify which of them have therapeutic effects and assess the effectiveness of active substances in the prevention of periodontal diseases. Material and methods. Using the largest online pharmacies selling oral care products, “Eurovaistinė”, “Gintarinė vaistinė”, “Camelia vaistinė”, and “Benu vaistinė”, toothpastes were selected based on the presence of the following keywords in their descriptions: “gums”, “periodontium”, “gingivitis”, “periodontitis/parodontosis”, “plaque”, “tartar”, “biofilm”, or combinations of these words. The compositions of the selected toothpastes were analysed, and those with therapeutic properties affecting periodontal health were identified. All examined toothpastes are listed in a table. The data are analysed and systematized. Results and conclusions are presented. Results. During the study, 312 different oral care products, toothpaste descriptions were reviewed. Of these, 55% (n=173) met the inclusion criteria. On the "Eurovaistinė" online pharmacy, a total of 137 toothpaste options were found of which 91 were selected based on the presence of specified keywords in the product description. 46 oral care products did not meet the inclusion criteria and were therefore excluded from the study. In the "Gintarinė vaistinė" online pharmacy, 210 toothpaste options were found with 113 meeting the set criteria while 97 products were excluded. The "Camelia" online pharmacy offered 178 toothpaste options of which 106 met the selection criteria. 72 toothpastes were excluded. The "Benu" online pharmacy returned 80 results, 40 toothpastes included in the study. Conclusions. After analysing the toothpastes available on the Lithuanian market, it can be concluded that Lithuania has a wide selection of toothpastes intended for the prevention of periodontal diseases. Active ingredients help reduce the amount of plaque, the effects of gingivitis (bleeding, swelling) and the number of microorganisms. The most important factor in the prevention of periodontal diseases is mechanical plaque removal. Chemical substances are only an additional tool in the routine of mechanical plaque removal. |
