Assessing the quality and reliability of YouTube™ content on dental cleaning over time

Background YouTube has become a major source of health information, including content on dental cleaning. However, reliability and quality of videos remain unclear. This study evaluated quality and reliability of YouTube videos related to dental cleaning by comparing two time periods: before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods Google Trends identified “dental cleaning” as the most searched term related to non-surgical periodontal therapy. Two periodontists evaluated the 100 YouTube™ videos from 2019 and 2024 using VIQI, DISCERN, Modified DISCERN, GQS, and a customized content analysis. Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS 26.0.Results A total of 28 videos from 2019 and 34 videos from 2024 were included. GQS scores were significantly higher in 2019 compared to 2024 (p < .001). In both years, “useful” videos had longer durations, higher DISCERN (p < .05), Modified DISCERN (p < .05), GQS (p = .001), and VIQI scores (p < .001). Content Analysis scores were positively correlated with all quality indices (p < .001).Conclusion Despite an increase in the number of useful videos according to Customized Content Index in 2024, the overall quality and reliability of YouTube™ videos on dental cleaning remain limited, highlighting the need for more accurate and professional content.