Factors Influencing the Choice of Toothpaste and Investigation of Those Most Commercialized by Students in Settat, Morocco

Abstract

Factors Influencing the Choice of Toothpaste and Investigation of Those Most Commercialized by Students in Settat, Morocco Abdellatif Rahim1,2, Wissal El Karfi1, Lalla Asmaa Katir Masnaoui1, Bouchra El Amiri2, Abdel Khalid Essamadi1* 1Natural Resources and Environment, Neurosciences, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Hassan First University of Settat, Settat 26000, Morocco 2Animal Production Unit, Regional Center Agricultural Research of Settat, National Institute for Agricultural Research, Avenue Ennasr, Rabat 10090, Morocco Abstract Background: This study aimed to determine the factors influencing the choice of toothpaste by students in Settat, Morocco and investigate the characteristics of those most commercialized in this region. Methods: A close-ended questionnaire was developed and filled out. This was a cross-sectional study of 429 students who agreed to participate. Based on questionnaire data, the 15 most commercialized toothpaste by respondents were purchased, and their packaging was investigated. Results: After analysis using Excel 2019, the results revealed that the major factors influencing the choice of toothpaste are brand 55%, family choice 48%, and media advertisements 40%. Moreover, about 57% of respondents chose toothpaste brands with monofluorophosphate as a therapeutic fluoridated agent, whereas 41% chose those with NaF. In addition, 85% of respondents chose a toothpaste brand that has silica abrasive. Moreover, only 44% chose toothpaste with production and expiration dates. Finally, the total fluoride and total soluble fluoride were lower compared with the quantity of fluoride expected from the packaging. Conclusions: The present study indicated that the respondents selected their toothpaste primarily based on brands, family choices, and media advertisements. Incomplete labeling was encountered in toothpaste used by 58% of the respondents. Keywords: dental caries, fluoride, Morocco, students, toothpaste