Análise de processos licitatórios para aquisição de dentifrícios por municípios do norte do Paraná, Brasil

The acquisition of dentifrices distributed in the Unified Health System is based on bidding processes, with public agencies being responsible for purchasing products that have a proven anti-caries effect. This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the bids for dentifrices in municipalities in the northern macro-region of the state of Paraná state, from 2018 to 2021, assessing their compliance with current regulatory frameworks and the scientific literature. Guided by key questions, we sought to determine whether fluoride was required; whether, it should be in active form; if there was any definition about the concentrations of fluoride present and if they were in accordance with the values evidenced as safe and effective; and, furthermore, if the expiry date and the abrasive added were mentioned. Of the 43 items surveyed, we observed that only 24 (55.81%) required the presence of fluoride. Among these, only 13 (54.17%) specified the product's concentration, and 10 of these (76.92%) had concentrations within the ideal effective range (between 1000 and 1500 ppmF). Furthermore, the expiration date, the type of abrasive, and the specification that fluoride must be in its active form rarely mentioned in the descriptions. We also identified documents where fluoride was completely absent or present in reduced concentrations. These findings highlight deficiencies in the descriptions of the notices, with lack of essential specifications and do not align with current technical and scientific knowledge on the subject. In countries with significant inequalities, such as Brazil, the acquisition and distribution of oral hygiene products by public administrators is crucial for ensuring access to these products, particularly for individuals and families in vulnerable situations, the results present a concerning picture of the perpetuation of inequities in oral health. Therefore, it is recommended that measures be adopted to ensure a more appropriate selection of toothpastes, such as revising regulations and training professionals responsible for the bidding processes on the ideal parameters and characteristics.