Product Analysis: Aquafresh Kids Cavity Protection Pump - Report Example

DENTAL HYGIENE PRODUCT ANALYSIS AQUAFRESH KIDS CAVITY PROTECTION (BUBBLE MINT) PUMP of the Product: Aquafresh kids cavity protection (Bubble mint) Pump Name of the Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare LP Directions for Use: The product is meant to be used in the under mentioned manner: Segment: Aquafresh kid’s cavity protection (Bubble mint) pump can be used by adults and children who are more than two years of age. Application: The toothpaste needs to be applied on a soft bristle toothbrush. The product can be used twice or more in a day, particularly after meals or as per the advice of the concerned dentist or physician. Care should be taken that children below the age group of 6 years must not swallow the product. In case it is accidentally swollen, more than the quantity which is used for brushing, immediate medical help must be taken or poison control centre must be approached immediately Pea sized amount of paste should be used. Children must be supervised while the brushing process till the time the good habits are inherited. For children who are under the age group of 2 years, must be consulted with a dentist or a physician. The product must be stored under 30° C (86° F). In case the pump becomes non-functional, the button must be held firmly and then pushed upwards inside base. The product “Aquafresh kid’s cavity protection (Bubble mint) pump” is prices at various stores with varied amounts such as: Drugstore: $2.99 Meijer Store: $3.98 My OTC Store: $3.38 Amazon: $3.30 Bizrate: $ 8.28 (Aquafresh Kids Cavity Protection Toothpaste, Bubblemint , Drugstore.com). Ingredients used in the Manufacturing of the Product Active Ingredients: Sodium Monofluorophosphate (0.15% w/v of fluoride ion) (anti-cavity) Inactive Ingredients: Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Carrageenan, Cellulose Gum, Flavor, Glycerin, Hydrated Silica, PEG 8, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Saccharin, Sorbitol, Titanium Dioxide, Water Flavoring Agents: Mint Sweeteners: Sodium Saccharin Humectants: Glycerin, Sorbitol Binder: Calcium Carrageenan Detergent: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Abrasive: Hydrated Silica, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) Preservatives: Sodium Benzoate Coloring Agents: D&C Red 30, FD&C Blue 1 (CI 42090), Titanium Dioxide, Others Water (Toothpaste, Wikipedia.com) Claims Made by the Manufacturer The manufacturer of the product does claim the cosmetic and therapeutic values of the product that is Aquafresh kids cavity protection (Bubble mint) Pump. The product is supposed to be bubble mint flavored fluoride toothpaste meant for the use by kids and fight cavities. It is claimed that the product entails natural calcium for the gentle cleaning of the child’s teeth keeping in to consideration the vulnerability of the kids tooth in mind. The claim also includes a positive affirmation whereby the manufacturer is confident that by the use of this product the kids would certainly look forward for their “2 minutes, twice a day” brushing routine. The manufacturer ascertains that the product is supposed to be an anti cavity toothpaste with a friendly and exciting flavor that is liked by most of the kids of age 2 and above. The bubble mint fresh flavor is introduced to attract the younger age group (Misty, R, GoodgGuide.com). The special stand pump which is attached with the product makes it all the more convenient for use by the kids and young children. The manufacturer is sure that the product will be immensely helpful in inculcating and encouraging good habits amongst the kids and making the process of brushing a real fun. The toothpaste is not just for the kids aesthetically along with its peculiar flavor but the product also claims to extend a triple protection cover by providing protection against tooth decay, avoiding dental cavities and maintaining healthy gums. The manufacturer also claims that the product is a top selling dental hygiene product in US because of its user friendliness. The product has an added advantage whereby there is complete absence of sugar, unlikely of other toothpastes available in the market. The product claims to freshen up breath and facilitates in the prevention of dental cavities. ADA Acceptance The product is manufactured in USA and is well accepted by ADA. As per the Council on Scientific Affairs and The American Dental Association has certified that “Aquafresh kids cavity protection (Bubble mint) Pump” has proved to be an effective decay deterrent dentifrice which carries a high significant value when used in a proper way which has been directed or instructed as per the applied program of oral hygiene and standardized professional care. Reviews As per the claims made by the manufacturer, it has been found that customers in general hold a positive view point about the product. People are satisfied that the product is quite easy to use especially for the kids as the introduction of the additional pump format completely shuns off the general problems and mess caused due to the toothpaste tubes format by the kids, moreover the kids are simply found to love it, as its taste and flavor is great along with the beneficial qualities of the fluoride substance (Outlet 101: Compare and Save). It has been reviewed that parents have found the product quite useful in easily making their kids adapt brushing habit due to its smell and flavor which carries a bubblegum taste as well. The product has turned out to be a great help especially for the fussy kids and those adults as well who disliked the mint flavor, but now have developed a liking towards the product. Another advantage observed is that even if one forgets to close the pump, the paste wouldn’t thicken as the pump carries a special feature that causes the top of the pump to close by itself. The product has certainly been a great help in inculcating healthy habits amongst kids. The product is widely accepted and promoted by people. Hence, the claims made by the manufacturer are true and well accepted in totality. Criticism The product does carry some criticisms as well when analyzed on grounds of the claims made. Firstly, people find that though pump is beneficial but it causes wastage as well as when one gets close to the bottom of the product, it gets difficult to squeeze out the paste which could have been avoided in a regular toothpaste leading to unwanted wastage. The ingredients used in the manufacturing of the product are also surrounded by some issues. For instance, the detergent used in the product Sodium Lauryl Sulfate to thicken the toothpaste is considered to be dangerous by many experts, specifically related to health and environmental issues. Experts do believe that this particular ingredient can be a cause for the cancer sore development. In regard to which The University of Mary Washington has advised manufactures to produce SLS-free toothpaste in order to reduce the risk of mouth sores and to mitigate the pain or discomfort that may be caused in future due to excessive use of the substance or to minimize the associated pain and discomfort (Beach, Emily. Livestrong.com). Even skin irritations could be caused and also when the substance is drained when rinsed through toothpaste etc, it may cause serious harm to aquatic life and other living creatures as well. Product Segment “Aquafresh kids cavity protection (Bubble mint) Pump is targeted for kids between the age group 2 and 6 years. However, Adults can also use the product in large quantity. Children under two years of age are not advised to use the product. Use of the product is recommended under parental supervision. My personal experience also reveals the fact that when the product was used in the family, almost a month ago, and kids simply loved it. The product is easy to use and appreciated by both my kids of age 7 and 9 years in terms of its flavor and taste. Children brush their teeth at least twice a day without being compelled for the same; hence good habits are also entailed in them. Date of Use: 2nd March, 2012 till date Summary On the whole it can be said that the product is widely accepted in the market and loved by the children due to its unique flavor. The product is priced reasonably and accepted by ADA as well. There are many benefits that can be derived from the use of product and must be promoted. BIBLIOGRAPHY Misty, R. “Aquafresh Kids Fluoride Toothpaste with Bubblemint Reviews”. Aquafresh KIDS toothpaste. Expo. 8 Nov.2011 Web. 26 Mar.2011 Beach, Emily. “What Are the Dangers of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in Toothpaste?” Livestrong.com , The Limitless Potential of You . 15 June.2011 Web. 26 Mar.2011 “Toothpaste” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2012. “Aquafresh Kids Cavity Protection Toothpaste, Bubblemint” . Drugstore.com. GlaxoSmithKline, Web. 26 Mar.2011 Aquafresh Toothpaste Kids Bubblemint Pump . Outlet 101: Compare and Save . Amazon: Health and Personal Care, Web. 26 Mar.2011 Read More