Evaluation of the quality and reliability of gingival recession-related content on youtube and tiktok platforms

The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality and reliability of the information presented on the YouTube and TikTok social media platforms, where patients seek for information regarding gingival recession problems. In this study, videos in English language related to gingival recession on YouTube and TikTok platforms between December 2017 and December 2022 were analyzed. The videos were evaluated for the scientific reliability, quality, and popularity of the information provided. The quality of videos was assessed using the Global Quality Scale and DISCERN tools, and each video's communication quality, duration, likes, dislikes, views, source, and video type were recorded and categorized. Data was statistically analyzed using SPSS version 26.0 package programme. A total of 248 videos were included in the study. The average Global Quality Scale score was found to be 2.55 for the YouTube group and 1.42 for the TikTok group, respectively, indicating moderate to low quality for both groups. The videos uploaded by periodontal specialists on Youtube scored higher than the random streamers regarding the communication quality (p<0,001). However, no sigficant differences were observed on this parameter on Tiktok. Youtube ratio of views were found to be 174,94 and Tiktok ratio of views were found to be 440,5 (p<0,005). Mean ratio of likes and views were found to be lower on Youtube platform compared to Tiktok (p<0,001). Mean duration of the Youtube videos were found to be longer than Tiktok videos (p<0,001). The videos uploaded by periodontal specialists scored higher on Discern and Global Quality Scales compared to the ones uploaded by random streamers ((p<0,005). Within the limitations of our study, it can be concluded that YouTube and TikTok videos provide low to moderate quality information about gingival recession and they may not provide reliable information about gingival recession and its treatments. These results are important since they reveal the necessity of reliable content and refined information sources.