COMPOSITION OF CHILDREN'S TOOTH PASTS AND PARENTS' PREFERENCES FOR CHOOSING TOOTH PASTS FOR CHILDREN'S ORAL HYGIENE

ABSTRACT

The article analyzed the content of inorganic and organic components in natural children's toothpastes presented on the pharmaceutical market of Belarus, revealed their impact on the hygienic and therapeutic properties of these oral care products. The results of a study of parental preferences in the selection of toothpastes for children are also presented

Keywords: toothpastes for children; inorganic and organic components; hygienic properties, selection of toothpastes.

Materials and methods. The study employed methods of systematic analysis and data synthesis. Sources included open analytical reviews and statistical data from the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as results of scientific research published in domestic and foreign journals. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 100 patients of a dental clinic in Polotsk to investigate their preferences in choosing children's toothpastes.

Results and discussion. The habit of oral hygiene is formed in early childhood, and the future dental health directly depends on the correct choice of hygiene products. The enamel of primary teeth is highly sensitive and vulnerable, which imposes particularly strict requirements for children's toothpastes [1, 2].  The modern market offers a wide range of products that must combine effective cleaning, safety in case of accidental ingestion, and organoleptic properties attractive to children.

The production and sale of children's toothpaste in the Republic of Belarus are regulated by the norms of the Customs Union (EAEU). The basic document is Technical Regulation TR CU 009/2011 "On the safety of perfumery and cosmetic products". Additional requirements are established by sanitary and epidemiological standards approved by the Ministry of Health. According to current standards, fluoride content is strictly differentiated by age: for children under two years, no more than 500 ppm is allowed; for preschoolers – up to 1000 ppm; and for children over six years, the concentration may reach 1450 ppm. The abrasivity index (RDA) is also regulated: for the younger age group it should not exceed 20 units, for children up to six years – 50 units [3].

A survey conducted among 100 patients of a dental clinic in Polotsk (who have children aged 3–8 years) identified key criteria for choosing a toothpaste. For 45% of respondents, the main factor was the safety of ingredients and the absence of harmful compounds. A quarter of respondents (25%) focused on taste, as this directly motivates the child to brush regularly. Price was a priority for 20% of parents, while 10% trusted brand reputation and doctors' advice.

For a detailed study of the chemical composition, four samples of children's toothpastes manufactured by JSC "Modum – Our Cosmetics" (available in the Belarusian retail network) were selected.

Sample No. 1 ("Kariesanet Junior") contains fluorides (amine fluoride and sodium fluoride) at a concentration of about 1000–1500 ppm, making it suitable for school‑age children (from 6–7 years). Hydrated silica is used as a mild abrasive. Foaming is ensured by mild surfactants without sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). The preservative is sodium benzoate; colorants are absent.

Sample No. 2 ("32 Zhemchuzhina 6+ Yagodny Miks")* includes sodium fluoride and a mild abrasive. The composition contains natural berry extracts and peppermint oil. However, disadvantages include the presence of bronopol (a preservative that can release formaldehyde) and Sodium Coco‑Sulfate (SCS) – a surfactant that may have an irritating effect on the mucosa.

Sample No. 3 ("Odenta Kids Pear") is fluoride‑free; the remineralising effect is achieved through calcium glycerophosphate. The composition is enriched with soothing components (allantoin, bisabolol) and a mild surfactant, betaine. The preservative is sodium benzoate. A drawback is the presence of synthetic colorants (CI), which increases the risk of allergic reactions in sensitive children.

Sample No. 4 ("32 Zhemchuzhina Junior Zashchita ot Kariyesa") contains sodium fluoride. The composition includes lemon oil (a potential allergen) and tetrapotassium pyrophosphate – a component unusual for children's products (typically used for tartar control in adults). As in Sample No. 2, bronopol and SCS are present.

In the foaming capacity test (shaking 1.5 g of toothpaste in water), it was found that samples No. 2 and No. 4 containing SCS produced more stable foam (foam column height 15–20 mm). Pastes No. 1 and No. 3, which use more physiological surfactants, showed minimal foaming, which is preferable for children's hygiene as it reduces the risk of oral tissue irritation.

The analysis demonstrates significant differences in the component composition of children's toothpastes.

In terms of safety and efficacy, Sample No. 1 appears to be the most balanced, containing a modern fluoride complex and mild cleansing components. However, the high fluoride content requires adult supervision and is recommended for school‑age children.

Sample No. 3 has the mildest "physiological" composition, enriched with calcium and anti‑inflammatory additives, making it suitable for the youngest children or those with sensitive gums. Nevertheless, the presence of synthetic colorants reduces its hypoallergenicity.

Samples No. 2 and No. 4 contain bronopol (2‑bromo‑2‑nitropropane‑1,3‑diol), the use of which in children's products is undesirable due to the risk of formaldehyde release. Despite attractive flavour additives, the use of these pastes in preschool children is advised against.

Conclusion. Thus, not all toothpastes available on the market have the same composition. Parents should carefully read labels, avoiding products with bronopol and synthetic colorants in favour of mild surfactants and natural ingredients. When choosing, one should rely on the presence of certificates of conformity to TR CU and adherence to age‑specific recommendations for fluoride content and abrasivity.

References:

1. Galiza, G. C., et al. Bioactive components in children´s toothpastes: mechanisms and evidence‑based effects on plaque, caries and salivary pH // Brazilian Journal of Health Review. – 2025. – Vol. 8, No. 1. – P. 15–29.
2. Alraddadi, N. S., et al. Parental knowledge of fluoridated toothpaste usage for children in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 2022 // Saudi Journal of Oral Sciences. – 2025. – Vol. 12, No. 1. – P. 25–32.
3. World Health Organization. (2024). Global strategy and action plan on oral health 2023–2030. Geneva: WHO.