Objective To determine whether distraction techniques (DT) reduce children's/adolescent's anxiety and fear during dental treatment. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which any type of DT were used to manage dental anxiety and dental fear in children/adolescents were included. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Lilacs, and Google Scholar was conducted. Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data, assessed methodological quality of studies using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool (CCRBT), and approached certainty of evidence using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Data were analysed descriptively. Results Twenty studies covering several types of DT (audio, audiovisual, instruments camouflage, biofeedback, dental operating microscope, toys) were included. Qualitative analysis showed with very low certainty of evidence that DT effectively reduced dental anxiety and fear depending on the distraction type, instrument used to measure dental anxiety and dental fear, and dental procedure. CCRBT evaluation identified many methodological issues in included studies. Conclusion There is a very low certainty of evidence that DT can be effective in managing children's/adolescents’ dental fear and anxiety during dental treatment. The heterogeneity of methodologies and findings in the studies, however, suggests more robust, and well‐executed RCTs are needed.

The immaturity of born to preterm infants may predispose to sucking difficulties. This research aimed to evaluate if pacifier use is associated with preterm birth and influenced in type of infant feeding. This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Belo Horizonte, Brazil and evaluated 250 children aged 3 to 5 years. As a sample, two groups were established: the normal term children group (n=125) was selected at a day-care centre and the group of preterm children (125) was identified at a public university hospital with a preterm care project from birth to seven years of age. To collect data, a pre-tested questionnaire regarding information on gestational age, infant development, infant feeding and non-nutritive sucking habits was used for both groups. Bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression was used for the statistical analysis. Pacifier use was more prevalent in the preterm group (PR=1.20, 95% CI=1.02-1.42) who used the bottle (PR=1.38, 95% CI=1.15-1.64) and were breastfed for less than six months (PR=1.19, 95% CI=1.01-1.41). The majority of breastfed infants were of normal term birth (PR=1.14, 95% CI=1.04-1.20) and had monthly family income greater than USD 450.28 (RP= 1.10, 95% CI=1.01-1.20). In this study, pacifier use was more prevalent among preterm infants and associated with less than six months of breastfeeding and used of bottle. Monthly family income was associated with a prevalence of breastfeeding.

Objective: To analyze the difference of socioeconomic factors among mothers of preterm and full-term infants. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was developed with 250 mothers of children aged three to five years. The sample was divided into two groups: 125 mothers of preterm infants from the referral center of a public hospital in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil and 125 mothers of children born full-term at a daycare center within the same city. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect socioeconomic data and type of breastfeeding. To verify if there was association between the dependent variable gestational age at birth and the independent variables, the chi-square test was used. A final model with multiple Poisson regression estimated prevalence ratio values for each independent variable was developed. Results: The final multiple regression model showed that mothers that have a low monthly income of up to USD 450.28 (PR = 1.979, 95% CI = 1.082-3.620), used drugs, cigarettes, or alcohol during their pregnancy (PR = 4.095, 95% CI = 2.422-6.921), and did not breastfeed (PR = 2.294, 95% CI = 1.205-4.369) were more likely to give birth to preterm infants. Conclusion: Low monthly family income, use of drugs, alcohol, or smoking during pregnancy and absence of breastfeeding were more frequent on mothers of preterm infants.

Objective: To verify and compare the sociodemographic data and caregivers' self-perception of children's oral health condition, hygiene habits and seek for dental services among family units of deaf and normalhearing children. Material and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted with 64 parents/caregivers of 16 deaf and 48 normal-hearing children of 3-14 years old, belonging to reference centers in Belo Horizonte, southeastern Brazil. Deaf and hearing children were matched according to their sex and age. Sociodemographic characteristics of the family units and self-report of oral health conditions and care were assessed using a structured questionnaire, including information regarding seeking pediatric dental services. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test were performed (p<0.05). Results: Most individuals in the sample were mothers (84.4%). Low family income (p=0.024) and higher education level of guardians (p=0.018) were associated with families of hearing children. The report of clinical treatment or toothache as the main reason for the children's last dental appointment was associated with families of deaf children (p=0.047). Conclusion: Based on caregivers' reports, hearing-impaired children demonstrated greater vulnerability to present dental pain or clinical treatment as the main reasons for their last access to dental appointments.

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