Electronic dental misinformation causes fear in Gen Z and Millennials, the research findings of endodontics

Gen Z and Millennials are particularly vulnerable to dental misinformation online, according to a new US study assigned by the US Association of Endodontics (AAE).

The results indicate that younger adults are increasingly afraid of dental treatment, especially root channels, due to partly in social media myths and confusion for credible sources.

The investigation, conducted by the Atomik Research survey between February 19 and February 27, was asked 1,019 adults in the United States. Almost half of Gen Z (48 %) and respondents (46 %) said they were afraid of root channels, compared to 38 %of all adults investigated.

“We are worried that fear and misinformation contribute to younger adults who avoid dental chair.” Dr. Steven J. Katz, President of AAE

For many, this fear comes from digital misinformation. Forty percent of Gen Z and 36 % of millennia reported that they often or always struggle to distinguish between myths and events when they read about dental health on the internet.

“We are worried that fear and misinformation contribute to younger adults who avoid the dental chair, as almost half of both Gen Z and Millennial Adults admitted that they only introduced to the dentist when they have pain in their mouths,” said Dr. “People who do not take routine dental care are at risk of severe tooth decay, which can lead to overall health problems.”

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Findings reinforce the results from 2025 Edelman Trust Barometerwhich showed that 45 % of adults aged 18 to 34 said that their health decisions are influenced by “non -certified” voices such as influences and content creators. From this group, 58 % admitted that they made a sad health decision based on misinformation from social media.

Radical channels prefer extracts

The AAE survey also found that 45 % of adults had a radical channel, and of them, 71 % said they were happy to choose the process instead of exporting tooth. In fact, 29 % of all respondents said they prefer to get the flu than a tooth pulled.

You can also read: Canada revives health surveys to monitor trends: “It was Serendipity”

Dental trauma and misunderstandings

Many adults underestimate the dental dangers posed by common foods. While 85 % of adults believe that the hard candy can damage almost half (49 %) of respondents said they had thrown a tooth to the hard food, which raised concerns about their dental health.

Tooth trauma is also common, especially in children. It is estimated that more than five million teeth are hit each year in both children and adults, with those under 10 years of age.

Misinformation against reliable sources

While 85 % of adults said they trust dental professionals for oral health advice, almost one in four (23 %) said they were based on Google searches. Meanwhile, 42 % said they only go to the dentist when experiencing pain, despite 94 %, agreeing that it is important to keep their natural teeth as much as possible.