Decoding early childhood caries: an in-depth analysis of YouTube videos for effective parental education

To assess the coverage of information about early childhood caries (ECC) available on YouTube videos in three different languages, regarding technical characteristics of videos and interaction metrics.

Search strategies were developed in English, Spanish, and Portuguese to make a comprehensive collection of videos from YouTube, encompassing 60 samples for each language, regarding all video types. The videos were assessed by a thematic checklist regarding 17 items on ECC. Videos were dichotomized according to the median of the thematic score and the nature of their authorship (health and non-health authors) to compare groups. The statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (version 25.0), applying Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and Mann-Whitney U test. P < 0.05 values were considered significant.

Among 120 videos meeting inclusion criteria, ECC aetiology and prevention information proved incomplete, with a median score of 5 (Q1-Q3 = 3-7). No correlation emerged between this score and other video characteristics. However, interaction metrics like views, likes, dislikes, and viewing rates displayed significant correlations. Health authors primarily created these videos, yet non-health author channels had more subscribers. Surprisingly, videos focused on the impact of regular sugary food and beverage consumption on ECC progression received the most attention.

Videos that presented information about the aetiology and prevention of ECC invariably focused on partial aspects of the disease. This highlights the need for better-quality educational videos and the importance of dental professionals in guiding patients toward reliable sources of information.