Abstract
The purpose of this study was to estimate the
coverage and quality of information on dental
caries prevention in Japanese newspapers.
Newspaper articles were searched using database
during 10 years from 1993 to 2002. From five
major newspapers, 440 articles concerning dental
caries prevention were selected and used for
analysis. The number of caries prevention articles
was related to National Oral Health Week, which
was held in June of each year, and the introduction
of new policy or government statements on oral
health issues. Major sources of articles came
from manufacturing companies (29.3%), staff of
universities (27.7%), and other dental specialists
(20.2%). Caries prevention articles appeared frequently
in the health columns (35.7%) followed by
news articles (20.0%) and business columns
(17.7%). Dietary control (47.5%) was the most frequently
described preventive method. Plaque
control was referred to in 40.9% of articles, and
information about improvement of host factors
was provided in 40.0%. Among them, fluoride
information was included in 30.0%. Clearly wrong
information against evidence based were found in
24 articles. It is important that newspapers provide
accurate information with a supportive evidence
base. Dental professionals in Japan should be
aware of the importance of media advocacy in
order to provide appropriate oral health information
to the public.
