Frecuencia de cepillado y uso de pasta dental con flúor en niños de 0 a 3 años en la parroquia Victoria del Portete de la ciudad de Cuenca 2023.

Abstract

Introduction: Brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste is the most effective method to reduce the risk of caries. It is recommended that children brush at least twice a day. Objective: To determine the frequency of brushing and the use of fluoride toothpaste among children aged 0 – 3 years from the parish of ‘Victoria del Portete’ in Cuenca in the year 2023. Methods: This was a quantitative study with a descriptive approach using observational techniques. The sample consisted of 170 children aged 0 to 3 years from the ‘Victoria del Portete’ parish of the Cuenca canton. Data collection was performed using SPSS version 27 statistical software. Results: Among the 170 children in the sample, aged 0 to 3 years from the parish of ‘Victoria del Portete,’ it was found that 28.8% brushed their teeth twice a day, and 25.9% did not do so. Notably, over half of the sample did not use toothpaste, or it does not contain fluoride. Only 23.5% of the children used toothpaste of 1000 to 1100 ppm. Conclusion: There is a clear need to train parents in the parish of ‘Victoria del Portete’ about the use of fluoride toothpaste and the correct toothbrush dosage based on the child's age.