The cost of bucal hygiene in the town of Cascavel - PR

Abstract

The objective of this present study was to evaluate the cost of products for oral hygiene, such as toothpastes, dental brushes and dental floss in a sample of supermarkets located in different neighborhoods in the town of Cascavel, PR. Twelve large supermarkets were visited from August 2004 to August 2006. The data evaluated were relative to the availability of different brands, types and prices of the products in each establishment and then assessed by means of descriptive and analytical statistics. Great variability in the product const and availability was observed. After individual calculation, the average monthly expense with oral hygiene products of an individual varied from R$ 7.25 to R$ 8.66 among 2004 and 2006. It is important that, when recommending the acquisition of these products to their patients, professionals of the dental area evaluate these aspects, therefore considering their different socio-economic conditions.