Assessing the quality of YouTube™ videos on fixed dental implant home-care and maintenance protocols

Abstract

Objectives: The implant's supporting structure differs from that of the teeth when plaque accumulates, making it more prone to inflammation and bone loss. To ensure the implant's longevity, an effective maintenance protocol should be followed. This study aimed to evaluate the information on oral hygiene procedures at home for implant-supported fixed prosthesis. Methods: The keywords ‘cleaning dental implant,’ ‘how to clean dental implant,’ and ‘dental implant hygiene’ used to search for videos on YouTube™. Following the exclusions, two researchers independently analysed the remaining 100 videos for demographic data and content usefulness. Results: In terms of usefulness score distribution, 53.52% of the videos were considered slightly useful, 38.4% moderately useful and 8.1% very useful. The video content had the least quantity of knowledge about toothpaste choice (11.1%), but the greatest quantity of knowledge on flossing (68.7%). Conclusions: According to the study's findings, there is presently no evidence-based information on YouTube™ on dental implant oral hygiene protocols for home care procedures hygiene education. Therefore, dental care professionals should analyse the information's quality and reliability before recommending it to patients.