Know the importance of fluoride
THE following article by the Consumer Council of Fiji is part of the Oral Health Month celebration and highlights one of the key ways how consumers can promote good oral health.
June is national Oral Health Month which serves to remind us about the importance of good oral hygiene.
Oral health is a key indicator of overall health, well-being and quality of life. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), oral health encompasses a range of diseases and conditions that include dental caries, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, oro-dental trauma and birth defects such as cleft lip and palate. The Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 estimated that oral diseases affect close to 3.5 billion people worldwide.
Impact of poor oral health
Poor oral health causes millions of people to suffer from devastating pain and increases the out-of-pocket financial burden for society. Oral diseases can affect an individual’s effectiveness in school and work settings and can cause social and personal problems. The psychosocial impact of many oral diseases significantly reduces quality of life.
While the global burden of untreated dental caries in primary and permanent teeth has remained relatively unchanged over the past 30 years (WHO, 2022), the overall burden of oral health conditions on services is likely to keep increasing because of population growth and ageing.
For this reason, consumers need to be mindful about good oral health practices and take proactive steps which promotes good oral health. This includes but is not limited to brushing at least twice daily, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist. One particular vital component of maintaining good oral health which may be easily overlooked by consumers is the type of toothpaste they purchase and use.
Why is this a consumer issue?
Consumer choice has a huge impact on oral health. This is because choices which we make as consumers such as what we eat, the type of oral hygiene products we purchase and the information which we use to make purchasing decisions all contributes to the status of our oral health.
Buying and using toothpaste is a typical example of a decision which we make as a consumer.
The number of different toothpastes available is staggering. Supermarket aisles often offer numerous types of toothpaste products; promising everything from whitening to enamel repair, deep cleaning, germ protection, tartar control and sensitivity relief. An increasing number of small retail shops are now also retailing toothpaste which lacks key information such as ingredients, manufacturer details and country of manufacture. Hence, as a consumer, we should arm ourselves with the right information so that we can make informed decisions.
The ‘IT’ factor when buying toothpaste?
When buying toothpaste, the most important thing consumers must look out for is fluoride. Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste remains the best thing you can do to maintain your dental health, according to experts. Fluoride infiltrates the enamel’s surface and reaches areas that brushing cannot – provided you brush for around two minutes – making the tooth surface harder (remineralising) and more resistant to attack by sugar-loving bacteria. The gold standard of research reviews, Cochrane, found that the use of fluoride in toothpaste leads to less tooth decay.
What to watch out for?
Given the critical role which fluoride plays in maintaining oral health, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services has made it mandatory for all toothpaste being retailed in Fiji to contain fluoride.
According to the Trade Standard (Toothpaste Standard) Order 2011, which came into force on 1 January, 2012, only recognized anti-caries active agents in toothpastes are to be retailed in Fiji’s marketplace, which includes fluoride (stannous fluoride, sodium monofluorophoshate, sodium fluoride and specially formulated toothpastes for children-fluoride levels), CPP-ACP complexes casein phosphopeptide – amorphous calcium phosphate, and others. Despite having such legal stance, the Council has noted that non-fluoridated toothpastes are actively being retailed in the market.
Current issue
A recent tip-off from a concerned consumer prompted the council to conduct a snap survey of traders in the Central Division to determine whether fluoride-free toothpaste is retailed in Fiji’s market. Out of the 44 different types of toothpastes in the survey, 10 did not have any added fluoride.
Given this finding and whilst the council is working with relevant stakeholders to curb the sale of non-fluoride toothpaste, consumers are encouraged to always read labels and purchase toothpastes with fluoride. Consumers need to invest a few seconds to read product labelling as this is an investment towards their smile.
Additional tips for maintaining good oral health
To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene daily such as:
Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste; Floss daily;
Use mouthwash to remove food particles left after brushing and flossing;
Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary food and drinks;
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if bristles are splayed or worn;
Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings; and
Avoid tobacco use.
Also, contact your dentist as soon as an oral health problem arises. Taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health.
For consumer queries, please call the toll-free number 155 or lodge a complaint using the Consumer Council of Fiji mobile app. Alternatively, consumers can also lodge complaints via the complaints portal on the Councils website www.consumersfiji.org.
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people to suffer from devastating pain and increases the out-of-pocket financial burden for society.