Social Media Influence on Oral Hygiene Behaviors Among Teenagers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background:

Social media has become a major source of health-related information for adolescents and may significantly influence oral hygiene attitudes and practices. Understanding this impact could help improve preventive oral health strategies targeting teenagers.

Objective:

To evaluate the influence of social media on oral hygiene behaviors among teenagers.

Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 teenagers aged 13–18 years. Participants completed an anonymous questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, frequency of social media use, exposure to oral health content, and oral hygiene practices including toothbrushing frequency, flossing habits, mouthwash use, and dental attendance. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

Results:

Among the participants, 92% reported daily use of social media platforms, mainly TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Sixty-eight percent stated that social media influenced their oral hygiene habits. Teenagers exposed to oral health-related content demonstrated significantly better oral hygiene behaviors, including brushing twice daily (74% vs 49%), regular mouthwash use (58% vs 31%), and increased awareness of preventive dental care (p < 0.05). However, 41% reported difficulty distinguishing reliable from misleading dental information online.

Conclusion:

Social media appears to positively influence oral hygiene behaviors among teenagers while also exposing them to potentially unreliable information. Integrating evidence-based oral health education into social media platforms may enhance preventive dentistry strategies for adolescents.