This clinical trial had two objectives. The first was to compare the effectiveness of 950 ppm fluoride toothpaste versus probiotic toothpaste in preventing dental caries in 4- to 5-year-old children. The second was to understand how children's oral hygiene habits and dietary habits influence the development of dental caries.
The main questions it aimed to answer are:
* Does fluoride toothpaste reduce new caries more than control toothpaste?
* Does probiotic toothpaste reduce new caries more than control toothpaste?
* Which oral hygiene and dietary habits are risk factors for dental caries?
Researchers compared fluoride toothpaste and probiotic toothpaste to a control toothpaste (without active ingredients).
Participants were asked to complete the following tasks:
* Complete a questionnaire about their oral hygiene and dietary habits at baseline
* Undergo oral health examinations at baseline and after 12 months
* Brush their teeth twice daily (morning and before bedtime) with their assigned toothpaste for 12 months
* Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste each time
* Brush under the supervision of parents to ensure brushing quality