M. Long1, L. Forbes2, P. Papagerakis3, J. Lieffers1 ;
1College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, 2Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, 3College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK

Nutrition and dental caries have strong relationship. Foods and eating behaviours can both increase risk (e.g., sugar) and decrease risk (e.g., meal spacing) of dental caries. YouTube is a popular source for the public to access information; information about YouTube content related to nutrition and dental caries is unknown.

To assess the content of nutrition information regarding dental caries on YouTube.

Six YouTube searches were conducted in May/2021 using keywords related to nutrition and dental caries; the first 20 videos were selected from each search. Videos in English, <20min, and contained nutrition and dental caries information were eligible for inclusion. Included videos were watched by two individuals and scored for the presence or absence of content related to 17 different evidence-based topics related to nutrition and dental caries (e.g., sugar, sugary drinks, eating frequency, vegetable/fruit).

Forty-two videos were included. In total, n=24, n=10, n=6, and n=2 videos were posted by and/or featured oral health professionals, individuals with no health professional credentials, other health professionals, and government, respectively. One video featured a dietitian. The mean number of topics covered in the videos was 4.9/17 possible topics. Sugar was the most consistent topic mentioned (>70% of videos); no other topics were mentioned in >50% of videos. Some videos contained non-evidenced based information (e.g., avoiding phytic acid to prevent caries).

This study found that YouTube videos covered a limited selection of topics related to nutrition and dental caries and rarely featured dietitians.

With the high prevalence of dental caries, the strong link between nutrition and dental caries, and YouTube popularity, there is a strong need for content containing evidence-based recommendations about nutrition and dental caries on this platform. Collaborative development of videos by dietitians, oral health professionals and other professionals is needed.

SHRF Establishment Grant