Assessment of quality and readability of web-based knowledge about gummy smile: An infodemiology study

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the quality, reliability, and readability of online patient-centered information related to the management of gummy smile. Methods A systematic search was conducted using Google, Yahoo, and Bing to identify websites providing patient-oriented information on gummy smile treatments. A total of 257 websites met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Content quality was assessed using the DISCERN instrument, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarks, and the Health on the Net (HON) code certification. Readability was evaluated using the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), Flesch -Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Simplified Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) index, and Coleman -Liau index. Results The overall quality of online information was low to moderate, with a mean DISCERN score of 40 ± 9.9. Only 11 websites were certified by the HON code, indicating limited adherence to established standards for trustworthy health information. According to JAMA benchmarks, only two websites fulfilled all four criteria. Readability analysis demonstrated that the content was relatively complex, with a mean FRES of 60.1 ± 9.2 and a mean FKGL of 8.9 ± 1.8, exceeding the recommended reading level for the general public. Conclusions Online patient-centered information regarding gummy smile is generally of suboptimal quality and readability. The limited number of reliable and easily understandable resources underscores the need for improved quality control, standardization, and patient-focused content development. Enhancing the accessibility and reliability of online information may support better patient understanding and informed decision-making in dental aesthetics.