OBJECTIVETo survey the situation of cognition and utilization of fluoride toothpaste and associated factors amongst elementary and middle school students in Haidian district, Beijing.

METHODSSample of students was recruited by a multistage, stratified, and probability proportional to size sampling procedure. Self-administered structured questionnaires were used to collect information concerning the knowledge of, attitudes to and utilization of fluoride toothpaste and associated factors. A total of 1 557 students completed the questionnaire effectively.

RESULTSThe percent age of students who used fluoride toothpaste when brushing their teeth were 87.8%. More than 60% of students knew that fluoride toothpaste could prevent dental caries by strengthening the out layer of tooth surface. 41.6% of the students doubted about the harmless of fluoride toothpaste even to be used properly. Advertisement was the main source of information about the fluoride toothpaste.

CONCLUSIONSThe percentage of students using fluoride toothpaste was high and the majority of them knew that fluoride toothpaste could prevent caries. The oral health education programme concerning the optimal use of fluoride in dental caries prevention is highly recommended.