DENTAL MISINFORMATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA: CONTENT QUALITY, USER ENGAGEMENT, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR ORAL HEALTH LITERACY – A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Objectives: This narrative review aimed to summarize current evidence on dental misinformation on social media, with a particular focus on content quality, user engagement, and possible implications for oral health literacy and patient decision-making. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using full-text publications identified through PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Studies published between 2017 and 2026 were considered. The search included terms related to dental and oral health misinformation, social media, information quality, user engagement, oral health literacy, fluoride, dental caries, aesthetic dentistry, orthodontics, and major social media platforms. Original studies and review articles were included. Key Findings: Dental misinformation was identified across multiple platforms and areas of dentistry, including fluoride, dental caries, aesthetic dentistry, orthodontics, endodontics, and alternative dental practices. Professional or institutional sources were often more reliable, although professional authorship did not always guarantee accurate information. Misleading or low-quality content sometimes received high user engagement, but misinformation was not consistently associated with greater popularity. Trust in the source, perceived credibility, and individual evaluation of information may influence how users respond to online dental content. Evidence directly linking misinformation exposure with actual patient behavior or clinical outcomes remains limited. Conclusions: Dental misinformation is a relevant challenge for oral health communication. Improving users’ ability to assess online information and increasing access to clear, evidence-based dental content may help reduce its potential impact. Further patient-level and longitudinal research is needed.