A Double-blind Randomised Clinical Trial Comparing the Acceptability of Two Commercially Available Pediatric Toothpastes in Children Aged 3-6

Abstract

Aim:

To compare the acceptability of two commercially available pediatric toothpastes based on taste, colour preference, parental satisfaction with oral care outcomes, likelihood of continued use, and overall satisfaction in children aged 3–6.

Methods:

This double-blind, randomised clinical trial was registered with the Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI) under registration number CTRI/2024/10/075062. 60 children aged 3–6, visiting the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (Green apple-flavoured toothpaste) and Group B (Strawberry mint-flavoured toothpaste). Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to both parents and children. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 21, with a significance level set at 5%.

Results:

A significantly higher percentage of children in Group A rated their toothpaste as more acceptable in taste (90%) compared to Group B (66.7%) (p = 0.041), indicating a greater preference for toothpaste among children in Group A. There was no significant difference in colour preference between the two groups (p = 0.448). Parental satisfaction was also higher in Group A, with 73.3% of parents being "very satisfied" compared to 50% in Group B (p = 0.048). Additionally, 53.3% of parents in Group A reported being "very likely" to continue using their toothpaste, compared to 23.3% in Group B (p = 0.042). Overall satisfaction was significantly higher in Group A compared to Group B (p = 0.034).

Conclusion:

The green apple-flavoured toothpaste was more favourably accepted than the strawberry mint-flavoured toothpaste in terms of taste, parental satisfaction, and likelihood of continued use. These findings highlight the significance of sensory and parental factors in selecting pediatric toothpaste, promoting adherence to oral hygiene practices and thereby enhancing oral health outcomes in children.