Haven’t had the chance to catch up on what’s been going on in the dental industry? In this week’s Dental Industry Summary, we cover misinformation in the dental industry, depression and oral health and more.
Misinformation in Dentistry: The Impact on Gen Z and Millennials
Users on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are spreading dental misinformation, creating confusion between what is fact and fiction for younger patients. This fear-mongering around dental procedures leads to younger generations being afraid to visit the dentist and get proper treatment, only going in when they inevitably feel pain. However, research suggests that misinformation also comes directly from within the dental profession, where certain practitioners with financial interests may discourage the adoption of alternative and natural treatments through online content. This emphasizes the importance of ensuring patients are well-educated so they can make the best decisions for their oral health.
Emerging research reveals a potential connection between oral health and mental wellness: patients with low oral microbiome diversity are more likely to show symptoms of depression. These results could come from various issues such as substance abuse (alcohol and smoking), poor hygiene, bad diet and more. Understanding the connection between oral and mental health could allow specialists to identify biomarkers for depression and other mood disorders. Given depression's established links to cognitive decline and dementia, addressing oral health deficiencies could serve as a preventive intervention for these serious conditions.
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