Quality, reliability, and content completeness of Chinese-language videos on gingival recession available on Douyin and Bilibili: a cross-sectional study

Online videos are accessible sources of oral health information, but their quality and reliability vary. This study evaluated Chinese-language gingival recession videos on Douyin and Bilibili and explored associations with platform, uploader characteristics, and user interaction. A cross-sectional search on June 23, 2026, screened the first 150 results displayed on each platform using “牙龈退缩” (gingival recession); 184 of 300 videos were included. Videos were assessed using the Global Quality Scale (GQS), modified DISCERN (mDISCERN), Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarks, and a five-domain content checklist. Nonparametric tests compared platforms and uploader groups, and Spearman correlations assessed associations. P values were corrected for multiple testing. The sample comprised 109 Douyin and 75 Bilibili videos. Median content completeness was 3 (Q1, Q3: 2, 4); median GQS, mDISCERN, and JAMA scores were all 2. Bilibili videos were longer and had higher GQS, mDISCERN, and JAMA score distributions. Likes, saves, comments, and shares were also higher on Bilibili (Holm-adjusted P = 0.001, < 0.001, 0.037, and < 0.001, respectively). Content completeness did not differ significantly (adjusted P = 0.450). Likes correlated with saves (ρ = 0.923) and shares (ρ = 0.890), and saves correlated with shares (ρ = 0.923; all adjusted q < 0.001). The assessed videos generally had poor GQS ratings and limited coverage of prevention and risk-related information. Differences between platforms and uploader groups are unadjusted associations. The scores describe video characteristics and do not demonstrate factual accuracy or benefits to viewers. Professional participation and evidence-based content development are needed to improve online periodontal health education.