Pediatricians' perceptions of the use of sweetened medications related to oral health.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate pediatricians' perceptions and attitudes about the use of liquid pediatric medicines and their relationship with dental caries and dental erosion.


METHODS
A cross sectional study was conducted. Data was collected by questionnaires handed out in hospitals, medical clinics and offices. A convenience sample of 104 pediatricians was obtained.


RESULTS
Most respondents (80.8%) stated that pediatric medicines could be related with dental disorders. Dental caries (64.70%) and tooth discoloration (43.7%) were the most frequent mentioned alterations, while only 3 (4.2%) respondents pointed out dental erosion. A considerable number of respondents (62.50%) recognized the presence of fermentable carbohydrates as a contributing factor to tooth decay, however not all of them recommended oral hygiene after their consumption (50.80%). Besides, 48 respondents (46.20) also believed that pediatric medicines could cause dental wear.


CONCLUSIONS
Pediatricians in this study did not perceive the correct relationship between the presence of acidity in medicines and dental erosion; however, most of them presented a reasonable awareness about the relationship between sugared pediatric medicines and dental caries. Besides, they were unaware about the need of recommending oral hygiene after medicines' use.
Neves
Beatriz Gonçalves
BG
Departamento de Odontopediatria e Ortodontia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro.
Pierro
Viviane Santos da Silva
VS
Maia
Lucianne Cople
LC
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002326:Cariogenic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005421:Flavoring Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009909:Oral Health; D010372:Pediatrics; D010592:Pharmaceutic Aids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010819:Physician's Role; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013549:Sweetening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D002326:Cariogenic Agents; D005421:Flavoring Agents; D010592:Pharmaceutic Aids; D013549:Sweetening Agents