The Specifications and Ingredients Found in Commercially Available Toothpastes
Abstract: The aim of this
study was to evaluate the specifications and ingredients of various
commercially available toothpastes in Malaysia. Methods: Various toothpaste
brand samples were collected from malls & pharmacies in Petaling Jaya,
Malaysia. Each brand was studied and information regarding the presence or
absence of fluoride, the fluoride content, whether the fluoride content was
displayed on the packaging, the type of fluoride present, and the country of
manufacture was noted. Using this information, a comprehensive list of
commercially available toothpastes in the Malaysian market was prepared.
Results: the 57 toothpastes collected, 12.3% (n = 7) did not state their
fluoride contents, 15.8% (n = 9) were non-fluoridated, and 72% (n = 41) were
fluoridated. From the 41 fluoridated toothpastes, 80% specified the type of
fluoride present, with 60% containing sodium monofluorophosphate and 40%
containing sodium fluoride. Of the 41 fluoridated toothpastes, only 38%
specified the parts per million of fluoride. Conclusions: There is lack of
standardisation regarding the labelling specifications amongst various
toothpastes on the Malaysian market. This standard needs to be identified and
should include information regarding the type of fluoride, concentration of
fluoride, country of manufacture, and other necessary specifications printed on
the toothpaste packaging.
Keywords: awareness, consumer,
fluoride, labelling, Malaysia, toothpaste
Author: Kalyan C Gundavarapu,
Srinivas S Ramachandra, Daniel D Dicksit, Vivek V Gupta
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg170248
