PREVENTIVE USE OF TOPICAL FLUORIDE PRODUCTS: KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES IN YOUNG ADULTS

Catalina Iulia Saveanu, Lazăr Lucian Ștefan, Alexandra Ecaterina Saveanu, Daniela Anistoroaei, Maria Sophia Săveanu, Loredana Golovcencu

ABSTRACT

Aim of the study The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, perceived risks, and preventive practices related to topical fluoride use among young adults. Materials and methods A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted on a sample of 87 young adults. The questionnaire assessed self-perceived oral health, oral hygiene habits, use of fluoride-containing products (toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, additional fluoride products), professional fluoride application, and perceptions regarding fluoride benefits, concentration, and potential toxicity. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied, with the level of statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results Most participants reported good self-perceived oral health (85.1%), while nearly half (49.4%) reported no new carious lesions during the previous year. Fluoride toothpaste use was common (77.0%); however, professional recommendation played a limited role in product selection. Knowledge regarding fluoride type and concentration was limited, and preventive behaviors were frequently guided by personal preference or brand choice. Adjunctive fluoride measures and professionally applied topical fluoride were underutilized. No statistically significant differences were observed according to sex (p > 0.05), and the null hypothesis was not rejected. Conclusions Although fluoride toothpaste use was widespread, gaps in knowledge and suboptimal preventive practices persist among young adults. Targeted educational interventions and increased professional guidance are necessary to optimize caries prevention strategies in this population.

DOI : 10.62610/RJOR.2025.4.17.10