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Preventive

315 - Assessing Infant Fluoride Use and Fluoride Dissemination from Non-Dental Providers

Friday, May 24, 2024
3:15 PM – 3:25 PM EST
Location: Exhibit Hall (back left corner of the hall, space 137)
Abstract:

Purpose: The aim of this cross-sectional study is to understand infant caregiver knowledge regarding fluoride use and fluoride refusal reasons. The secondary aim is to understand the prevalence of fluoride education dissemination and fluoride varnish application from non-dental providers.


Methods: Caregivers of infants (0-3 years) who presented for their child’s first dental exam completed a survey on fluoride perceptions and were asked to demonstrate current toothpaste use. Infant dmfs scores were recorded. Pediatric medicine residents were asked to complete a survey assessing non-dental provider comfort and prevalence in providing fluoride education and fluoride varnish services. Univariate and bivariate analysis was conducted.


Results: Forty-eight caregivers were surveyed. Thirty-three caregivers (68.8%) reported using fluoridated toothpaste. Most caregivers (68.8%) were using more than the recommended toothpaste amount and reported never receiving guidance regarding fluoride from their pediatrician (64.6%) or fluoride varnish application (87.5%). The mean (±se) dmfs of forty-eight children was 9.79 (±1.66). There was no significant association between dmfs and reported fluoridated toothpaste use.
Twenty-three residents were surveyed, thirteen residents (56.5%) reported they sporadically provide fluoride education if time allows. Overall, most residents did not feel they had sufficient training nor time during visits to provide fluoride education and varnish to patients.


Conclusions: Caregivers are not consistently receiving fluoride education from their pediatrician and not using appropriate amounts of fluoridated toothpaste for their infants. This study underscores the importance of providing appropriate training to primary care providers regarding fluoride education and varnish application. Removing barriers to preventive services improves oral health outcomes.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: Research supported by Colgate-Palmolive Co, Grant Office ID: 00805703