Similar 1-year Caries Increment after Use of Fluoride or Non-fluoride Toothpaste in Infants and Toddlers

Although 1000 ppm fluoride (F) toothpaste is recommended for all age groups, many parents still choose 500 ppm F or non-F toothpaste for their toddlers to avoid the possibility of an excessive intake of F. As the comparison of the efficacy of F toothpastes has rarely been studied in infants and toddlers, the present study aimed to compare the caries increment with the use of 1000 ppm F, 500 ppm F, and non-F (xylitol with triple calcium phosphate) toothpastes in infants and toddlers. One hundred and seventy-three children aged 9–18 mo were randomly assigned into 3 groups according to the toothpaste used over a 12 mo period: group A: 1000 ppm F toothpaste; group B: 500 ppm F toothpaste; and group C: non-F toothpaste with xylitol and triple calcium phosphate. The children’s caregivers received oral health education with hands-on tooth brushing practice several times during the study. Oral examinations were conducted at baseline and after 12 mo. The differences in the caries increment among the groups were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test. There were no significant difference in the dmfs, both including and excluding white lesions, among three groups at baseline. After 12 mo, no significant difference was seen in the incremental dmfs, both including and excluding white lesions, among the three groups. Thus, the low dose F and the xylitol with triple calcium phosphate toothpastes might be suitable alternatives to high dose F toothpaste for use in the infants and toddlers age group in order to minimize the risk of an excessive intake of F and the development of dental fluorosis.