Recommendations from paediatric dentistry associations of the Americas on breastfeeding and sugar consumption and oral hygiene in infants for the prevention of dental caries: A bibliometric review.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Internet provides a plethora of information on health issues related to children's oral health. AIM: Identify online recommendations of paediatric dentistry associations of the Americas (PDAAs) regarding breastfeeding practices, weaning, sugar introduction and initiating oral hygiene. DESIGN: Websites of PDAAs were accessed to record recommendations/questions (Q) relevant to early childhood that specifically covered issues about exclusive breastfeeding-Q1, indications of bottle feeding-Q2, when and how to start weaning-Q3 and Q4, respectively, association of breast milk and dental caries-Q5, when to start oral hygiene and how to introduce it-Q6 and Q7, respectively, and guidance on the introduction of sugar-Q8. Similarity/dissimilarity frequencies between the associations (Euclidean distances) were calculated. RESULTS: From 35 countries on the two American continents, 21 associations were affiliated with the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry and/or the Latin American Pediatric Dentistry Association, whereas eight did not have websites. Higher (P < .05) dissimilarities for Q6 (68.2%), Q7 (72.7%), and Q8 (62.1%) were observed. Results were similar for Q1 and Q5 (P > .05). No association mentioned Q2, Q3 or Q4 responses, whereas Q7 was the most frequently discussed issue. CONCLUSION: Not all of the investigated issues are mentioned on websites of PDAAs, potentially stymieing efforts by both the layperson and health professional to gather information.