Tobacco and Oral Health Misinformation on Twitter (X): Implications for Dental Professionals
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background For dental professionals, the rapid evolution of tobacco products, particularly newer products, like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, directly affects clinical practice and patient oral health. Dental professionals must navigate possible health misinformation associated with such products and counteract misinformation effectively to safeguard patient health.Methods This study analyzed tobacco-related misinformation on Twitter during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2022). 7,960 tweets relevant to oral health or newer tobacco products were identified through keyword search. A qualitative coding of 10% of the tweets, grounded in health guidelines from reputable institutions, was used to categorize and understand the nature of the misinformation.Results From the 796 tweets analyzed, 52 were identified as containing misinformation, with 10 directly related to oral health. Tweets containing misinformation included understating the risks of e-cigarette use (colloquially called “vaping”) for oral health, claiming the absolute safety of vaping for oral health, and suggesting that vaping is the best alternative to smoking and superior to nicotine replacement therapy. Misinformation tweeted by vaping advocates often downplayed the risks or exaggerated the benefits of vaping. Tweets overstating e-cigarette risks were not identified in this sample.Conclusion This analysis characterizes types of tobacco-related misinformation on social media. Dental professionals should be aware of typical characteristics of misinformation that can influence patient perceptions and decisions regarding tobacco products.Practical Implications Familiarity with evidence-based guidelines can help dental professionals effectively counteract misinformation and provide accurate, reliable information to their patients.
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Award: G5542083506
OpenAlex ID: W4408303503