Perception of the Use of Natural Products in Pediatric Patient Care

The use of herbal medicine has gained importance in the healthcare field, making it relevant to investigate its application in dentistry. This study aimed to assess the perception of pediatric dentists regarding the use of natural products in the treatment of pediatric patients. A structured, closed-ended questionnaire using a nominal scale was applied. The clarity, objectivity, and relevance of each question were validated by expert judgment and an internal consistency analysis. The questionnaire was distributed online via Google Forms. The sample consisted of 100 pediatric dentists selected by convenience sampling. A descriptive analysis of categorical variables, absolute and relative frequencies, chi-square tests, and Fisher’s exact test (p < 0.05) were performed. The perception of pediatric dentists regarding the use of natural products was predominantly positive, with 79.8 % considering them effective, while 56 % highlighted their economic advantage. Additionally, 15.2 % reported using them occasionally as an anti-stress therapy, and 60.2% reported successful experiences with their use. It was also found that 69% of women in America use herbal medicine. However, 35 % of pediatric dentists stated that they rarely prescribe these products due to a lack of knowledge. Only 43 % reported having an acceptable level of knowledge, primarily acquired through scientific articles (29 %). Despite this, 75 % of respondents stated that they could incorporate them into their practice, and 91 % considered them a complementary treatment option. Herbal medicine presents an interesting alternative for complementary application in daily dental practice, with a generally positive perception of its benefits. Moreover, its use may help reduce costs and provide more natural and accessible treatment options for patients. However, it is essential for professionals to acquire greater knowledge about its safe and effective application, as the lack of familiarity with these products limits their prescription.

KEY WORDS: herbal, natural products, pediatric dentistry, essential oil, plants. herbal medicine, natural products, pediatric dentistry, essential oil, plants.