The impact of social media on maternal perception of fluoride use: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Social media have consolidated themselves as relevant tools for sharing information. Nowadays, it is no longer necessary to be a technology expert to recognize that the internet is fully integrated into everyday life. The exchange of experiences, the search for guidance and the sharing of information about child care have transformed social media into an important means of communication between groups of parents. In view of this need to understand how mothers seek and receive information about the use of fluoride, this research aimed to relate the efficacy and safety of the information received by mothers of children aged 0 to 4 years through social media about the use of fluorides. This is a cross-sectional study that was carried out through a questionnaire, elaborated on the Google Forms platform and distributed by the Whatsapp application to groups of mothers. In general, it was found that the inaccuracy of information about fluoride, disseminated through social media, compromises the mothers' discernment as to its authenticity. Maternal perception of fluoride shows a strong association with information disseminated on social networks. However, the guidance provided during regular visits to the dentist has an influence on the decision-making process regarding the veracity of the information.

Keywords: Disinformation; Fluoride; Social Media.