Quality, reliability, and content evaluation of youtube videos on primary teeth infections and dental abscesses in children

Parents and caregivers increasingly turn to YouTube™ for information about children’s health, yet the accuracy and reliability of its content remain uncertain. Misleading information about primary teeth infections and dental abscesses could potentially delay appropriate dental care. This study evaluated the reliability, scientific accuracy, content quality, and educational value of English-language YouTube™ videos addressing primary teeth infections and dental abscesses. English-language YouTube™ videos on primary teeth infections and dental abscesses in children were systematically searched, and 33 eligible videos were independently evaluated by two pediatric dentists using a structured content rubric, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Benchmark Criteria, DISCERN, Global Quality Score (GQS), and Video Information and Quality Index (VIQI). Normality was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk test; inter-rater agreement using weighted kappa and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC); and associations using Spearman’s rank correlation with Benjamini–Hochberg adjustment for multiple comparisons. Mean scores were 14.24 ± 4.99 for total content, 2.76 ± 0.90 for GQS, 33.42 ± 12.84 for DISCERN, 1.58 ± 0.61 for JAMA, and 13.06 ± 3.60 for VIQI. Inter-rater agreement ranged from moderate to excellent (ICC = 0.548–0.988; weighted κ = 0.694–0.867). Total views were not associated with quality scores. The interaction index showed positive correlations with the composite (ρ = 0.492), DISCERN (ρ = 0.454) and VIQI (ρ = 0.412) scores, which became borderline after adjustment for multiple comparisons. The 33 English-language YouTube™ videos evaluated in this study varied considerably in information quality, reliability, and educational value. In particular, clinically relevant information regarding antibiotic use, home interventions, complications, and preventive approaches was often incomplete. Evidence-based video content developed or reviewed by pediatric dental professionals is needed.