The quality of information on oral hygiene instructions for orthodontic patients in TikTok videos

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to assess the reliability, content, quality, and overall usefulness of orthodontic oral hygiene instructions in TikTok videos. Methods: The final videos were evaluated for content, reliability, quality, and usefulness by using a content domain checklist, DISCERN questionnaire, and Global Quality Scale (GQS). Descriptive video characteristics were also recorded. Results: Dental professionals uploaded 70.00% of the TikTok videos, with orthodontists responsible for 39%. The videos had average scores of 2.19 for DISCERN, 3.96 for content, 2.14 for GQS, and 6.10 for usefulness. Video length was significantly associated with content scores (r = 0.3553, P = 0.0003), usefulness (r=0.3553, P = 0.0003), and quality (GQS) (r=0.2620, P=0.0085). Conclusion: Most TikTok videos on orthodontic oral hygiene were uploaded by dental professionals. Reliability, content, and quality of the videos were all poor. Videos were considered slightly useful. Longer videos were significantly correlated with higher content, higher quality, and increased usefulness.