Frecuencia de cepillado y uso de pasta dental con flúor en niños de 0 a 3 años de edad en la parroquia de Sayausí de la ciudad de Cuenca

Abstract

Introduction: Awareness and education about the importance of oral health in schools and at home can instill the routine of regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits, providing long-lasting oral health benefits. Objective: To determine the frequency of brushing and fluoride toothpaste usage in children aged 0 to 3 years in the Sayausí parish of Cuenca 2023. Methods: A quantitative study with a descriptive approach using the observational technique. The sample comprised 213 children from 0 to 3 years of age in the Sayausí parish in Cuenca. Results: It was found that 35.68% brushed twice a day, and toothpaste usage was observed in 72.23% of the children, with 30.52% using fluoride-free toothpaste and 27.70% using toothpaste with fluoride between 1000 and 1100 ppm. The relationship between the frequency of brushing and fluoride toothpaste usage was statistically significant, as were the influence of economic income of less than $400 per month and secondary high school educational level. Conclusion: Socioeconomic factors can influence oral care practices in certain groups, including parents' or caregivers' economic and educational levels.