The trends in consumption patterns of toothbrushes and toothpastes in Lebanon

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of dental cavities has been rising especially during the past ten years. Tooth brushing twice a day using a fluoridated toothpaste is a crucial preventive measure. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the yearly use of 6 tubes of toothpaste of 170g each and 4 toothbrushes per individual. Aim: To evaluate the individual yearly consumption of toothpaste tubes and toothbrushes in Lebanon using the amount supplied to the market as a proxy measure after checking if the products meet the standards. Methods: This study was based on performing secondary quantitative data analysis of the amount of supplied toothpastes and toothbrushes between 2000 and 2016 in Lebanon. The quality of toothpaste brands available in the market was evaluated by reviewing LIBNOR (Lebanese Standards Institution) guidelines that govern the quality and testing standards of oral health products in Lebanon. Results: The yearly supply of toothpaste tubes per individual increased progressively from 1.27 tubes to 1.58 tubes between the year 2000 and 2016 respectively. The yearly supply of toothbrushes per individual fluctuated between 3.1 toothbrushes in 2000 and 3.24 toothbrushes in 2016, where the trend of supply reveals a plateau phase followed by steep increases and decreases between 2012 and 2016. Guidelines governing the quality of toothpastes are regulated by LIBNOR and follow European Standards. Conclusion: The yearly consumption of both toothpaste tubes and toothbrushes was below WHO recommendations. This raises the necessity of increasing the promotion of the importance of proper oral hygiene practices as well as the distribution of tubes of toothpastes and toothbrushes to people in need.

Standardised Practice-Based Oral Health Data Collection: A Pilot Study in Different Countries

“…13 Based on these initial results, it may also be important to prioritise behavioural interventions to improve toothbrushing frequency in India and Lebanon given lower rates of twice-daily brushing, a suggestion in line with other published studies. 14 , 15 In Italy, health authorities may choose to focus on promoting tobacco cessation services, 16 particularly in dental practice. Demographic segmentation or data collection in specific population groups could help further target these activities.…”

Impact of Toothbrush Age on Clinical Indicators of Oral Health, a Protocol for a Systematic Review

“…Keeping in mind that the cost of replacing toothbrushes at frequent intervals may not be applicable, especially in some underdeveloped countries (14,23,24). Evidence based and accurate advice for toothbrush renewal period will prevent nancial constraints and the extra cost of providing oral hygiene products to disadvantaged communities.…”