Parental knowledge of fluoridated toothpaste usage for children in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 2022

Introduction: Fluoride has a known role in the prevention of dental caries. Fluoridated toothpastes are the most used form of fluoride, and the reduction in the prevalence of dental caries is mainly attributed to its use. Aims: This study aimed to assess Saudi parents’ knowledge regarding the use of fluoridated toothpaste for children aged 3–13 and to identify the factors influencing their toothpaste purchasing decisions, such as flavor, cost, dentist recommendations, and advertising. Materials and Methods: In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 204 parents of children aged 3–13 years (68% female and 32% male). Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire through online platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram for data collection. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. Key variables were parental knowledge of fluoride, factors influencing toothpaste purchases (flavor, cost, dentist recommendations, and advertising), and children’s toothbrushing habits. Results and Discussion: The study revealed that 71.1% of parents used fluoride toothpaste for their children, with Sensodyne being the most popular brand. The most influential purchasing factor was flavor (64%), followed by cost (51%) and dentist recommendations (31.9%). Most children brushed twice daily (78%) both morning and evening, although 60% had not received professional fluoride treatments. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for increased parental awareness regarding fluoride toothpaste’s benefits. Efforts should focus on educating parents, especially regarding professional fluoride treatments, and addressing factors influencing toothpaste choices to improve children’s oral health.