Toothbrush and toothpaste preferences among Southern Saudi children: insights into oral hygiene awareness and practices.

BACKGROUND: Oral health is an integral component of general well-being, and the development of good oral hygiene habits during childhood plays a vital role in preventing dental caries and periodontal diseases. Understanding children's preferences regarding toothbrushes and toothpastes can help design effective preventive strategies and enhance compliance with oral hygiene practices. AIM: To assess the awareness, behavior, and preferences of children regarding the selection and use of toothbrushes and toothpastes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 children aged 5-12 years who visited the Pediatric Dentistry Clinics of King Khalid University, College of Dentistry, from September 2023 to January 2024. A validated self-administered questionnaire with visual aids was used to record demographic data, brushing frequency, and preferences for toothbrush and toothpaste color, flavour, and design. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20.0, using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Most participants brushed their teeth twice daily (p < 0.05), with a majority brushing independently. Significant gender differences were found: females preferred pink toothpaste (29.2%)/brushes (38.0%), strawberry flavour (55.2%), and design 4 (44.0%), while males preferred blue toothpaste (38.4%)/brushes (45.6%), and mint flavour (32.0%). Males more often chose toothpaste independently (46.4% vs. 36.8%, p = 0.024) and a consistent brand (74.8% vs. 69.2%, p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: Children demonstrated satisfactory awareness and motivation toward maintaining oral hygiene. However, continued parental supervision and education remain essential to ensure correct brushing techniques and fluoride use. Incorporating sensory preferences, such as colour and flavour, into oral hygiene products may enhance children's compliance and foster lifelong healthy habits.