Abstract

The quality of the products was investigated by analyzing fluorine content, pH, preservatives and tar colors in 31 dentifrice products (6 items for children) and 15 mouthwash products (2 items for children) marketed. It was intended to provide correct information to consumers by checking whether the standards and product indications match. As a result of measuring the fluoride concentration, 26 dentifrice and 15 mouthwash products contained from 48 to 1,472 ppm and from 85 to 225 ppm, respectively. Fluorine detection rates of dentifrice and mouthwash products were 83.9 and 83.3 %, respectively showing similar levels. Of the 41 fluoridedetected dentifrice and mouthwash products, 40 were 90.7~109.8 % of the displayed amount and suitable for the fluorine content standard of 90.0 to 110.0 %, but one dentifrice was found to be inappropriate at 36.3 % of the content indicated on the product. The pH of the dentifrice was 5.1~9.4, and the mouthwash was 4.2~6.2, which met all standards. As a result of simultaneous analysis of the concentration of six preservatives, benzoic acid was detected the most in 15 cases with a 30.6 % detection rate, sorbic acid was detected in 9 cases (detection rate of 18.4 %), and all four types of methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, propyl phydroxybenzoate, butyl p-hydroxybenzoate were not detected. As a result of analyzing the concentration of 10 types of tar colors, six types including red40, yellow4, yellow5, yellow203, green3, and blue1 were detected in a total of 9 cases (2 dentifrices and 7 mouthwashes) with blue1 being the most frequently detected. Detected fluorine concentration, added preservatives and tar colors were consistent with the product markings and it was well written on product packaging. The detected preservatives and tar colors were at a safe level due to low risk compared to Acceptable Daily Intake.