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Dental Misinformation and Social Media Use in Saudi Arabia

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

According to a recent study published in the Romanian Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, researchers at Umm Al-Qura University have found a significant association between dental misinformation and social media use among individuals in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia. The study aims to examine the prevalence of dental misinformation and its association with social media platforms. The researchers administered an online survey to 700 participants, gathering demographic data and questions regarding social media usage, dental health myths and facts, dietary factors that influence caries prevention, and the relationship between systemic diseases and periodontal conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 85.7% of participants were female, aged 18-25 years, held a bachelor's degree, and resided in the Makkah region, with Snapchat being the most frequently used platform (41.6%).
  • Approximately 60% of participants reported relying on dentists based on their professional experience and expertise.
  • Participants who used X (formerly Twitter) demonstrated the highest proportion of correct responses regarding dietary factors that prevent caries and systemic diseases associated with periodontal conditions (P < 0.05).
  • The findings suggest that individuals' understanding of dental health might be influenced by the social media platforms they engage with.
  • The study highlights the importance of promoting dental education through reliable and evidence-based sources of oral health information to mitigate the spread of dental misinformation.
  • The research team included Afnan A Nassar, Asaiyl Alkhuzai, Jawharah Alghmdi, Huriyyah Alotaibi, Mada Algethami, Thikra Al Sharif, Shahinaz Simbawa, and Hesham Alhazmi from Umm Al-Qura University.

Statistics:

  • 481 completed surveys were used in the analysis.
  • 85.7% of participants were female.
  • 70.9% of participants were aged 18-25 years.
  • 64.9% of participants held a bachelor's degree.
  • 81.1% of participants resided in the Makkah region.
  • 41.6% of participants used Snapchat.
  • 60% of participants reported relying on dentists based on their professional experience and expertise.

Sources:

  • Romanian Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 2025,17(2):1025-1036.
  • NewsRx report (NewsRx. Report Summarizes Oral Rehabilitation Study Findings from Umm Al-Qura University (Oral Health And Social Media: A Cross-sectional Study Exploring Oral Misinformation And Facts in Western Region of Saudi Arabia)). Health & Medicine Week. September 12, 2025; p 4348.

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