Gen Z and millennials are particularly susceptible to dental misinformation on-line, in response to a brand new U.S. survey commissioned by the American Affiliation of Endodontists (AAE).
The outcomes recommend youthful adults are more and more scared of dental therapy, particularly root canals, due partly to social media myths and confusion about credible sources.
The survey, performed by analysis company Atomik Analysis between Feb. 19 and Feb. 27, polled 1,019 adults throughout the USA. Practically half of Gen Z (48 per cent) and millennial (46 per cent) respondents stated they feared root canals, in comparison with 38 per cent of all adults surveyed.
“We’re involved that concern and misinformation is contributing to youthful adults avoiding the dental chair.” Dr. Steven J. Katz, AAE president
For a lot of, that concern stems from digital misinformation. Forty per cent of Gen Z and 36 per cent of millennials reported that they typically or at all times wrestle to tell apart between myths and details when studying about dental well being on-line.
“We’re involved that concern and misinformation is contributing to youthful adults avoiding the dental chair, as practically half of each Gen Z and millennial adults surveyed admitted to solely going to the dentist when experiencing ache of their mouth,” stated Dr. Steven J. Katz, AAE president, in a information launch. “Individuals who don’t get routine dental care are in danger for severe tooth decay, which might result in general well being points.”
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The findings reinforce outcomes from the 2025 Edelman Belief Barometer, which confirmed 45 per cent of adults aged 18 to 34 stated their well being choices are influenced by “uncertified” voices corresponding to influencers and content material creators. Of that group, 58 per cent admitted to creating a regrettable well being choice primarily based on misinformation from social media.
Root canals most well-liked over extractions
The AAE survey additionally discovered that 45 per cent of adults have had a root canal, and of these, 71 per cent stated they have been glad they opted for the process as a substitute of getting a tooth extracted. In truth, 29 per cent of all respondents stated they might reasonably get the flu than have a tooth pulled.
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Dental trauma and meals misconceptions
Many adults underestimate the dental dangers posed by widespread meals. Whereas 85 per cent of adults imagine onerous sweet can harm tooth or trigger accidents, fewer acknowledge the dangers posed by popcorn (44 per cent) and nuts (37 per cent). Practically half (49 per cent) of respondents stated they’d chipped a tooth on onerous meals, which raised issues about their dental well being.
Tooth trauma can also be widespread, particularly in kids. It’s estimated that greater than 5 million tooth are knocked out annually in each kids and adults, with these beneath age 10 notably susceptible.
Misinformation versus trusted sources
Whereas 85 per cent of adults stated they belief dental professionals for oral well being recommendation, practically one in 4 (23 per cent) stated they depend on Google searches. In the meantime, 42 per cent stated they solely go to the dentist when experiencing ache, regardless of 94 per cent agreeing it’s essential to hold their pure tooth so long as attainable.