Fluoridated and non-fluoridated pediatric toothpastes, available over-the-counter, in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia: An observational study

The aim of the present observational study was to compare a variety of pediatric toothpastes, available commercially over-the-counter, in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Pediatric toothpastes were purchased from the major pharmacy outlets present in both countries. The information retrieved from each toothpaste packaging included brand name, country of origin, expiry date, list of main ingredients, recommended age group, abrasive agent, fluoride content (form and concentration), languages of instructions, presence of brushing instructions, and warning label. The data was analyzed statistically using the SPSS computer software. Five fluoride free and 35 fluoride containing pediatric toothpastes (19 in Pakistan and 16 in Saudi Arabia), with a fluoride concentration ranging from 250 to 1450 ppm, were included. Sodium fluoride (NaF) was the most frequently used active fluoride compound in both countries followed by sodium monofluorophosphate (Na₂PO₃F). Warning labels were present on the majority of the pediatric toothpastes (p=0.05) available in Saudi Arabia (15 out of 19, 78.9%) compared to Pakistan (10 out of 21, 47.6%). The majority of toothpastes (13 out of 19, 68.4%) in Saudi Arabia displayed bilingual labeling instructions (English and Arabic). Only a few toothpastes (six from Saudi Arabia and two from Pakistan) displayed instructions in multiple languages. The present study provided a detailed comparison of various pediatric toothpaste in terms of their compositions, fluoride contents, and label information that should be useful for pedodontists, dental students, dentists, and dental public health professionals working in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.