Gen Z and millennials are especially vulnerable to dental misinformation online, according to a new U.S. survey commissioned by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE).
The results suggest younger adults are increasingly fearful of dental treatment, especially root canals, due in part to social media myths and confusion about credible sources.
The survey, conducted by research agency Atomik Research between Feb. 19 and Feb. 27, polled 1,019 adults across the United States. Nearly half of Gen Z (48 per cent) and millennial (46 per cent) respondents said they feared root canals, compared to 38 per cent of all adults surveyed.
“We are concerned that fear and misinformation is contributing to younger adults avoiding the dental chair.” Dr. Steven J. Katz, AAE president
For many, that fear stems from digital misinformation. Forty per cent of Gen Z and 36 per cent of millennials reported that they often or always struggle to distinguish between myths and facts when reading about dental health online.
“We are concerned that fear and misinformation is contributing to younger adults avoiding the dental chair, as nearly half of both Gen Z and millennial adults surveyed admitted to only going to the dentist when experiencing pain in their mouth,” said Dr. Steven J. Katz, AAE president, in a news release. “People who do not get routine dental care are at risk for serious tooth decay, which can lead to overall health issues.”
You can also read: New Study Reveals Gen Z More Likely to Seek Alternative Oral Care Products
Related link: Competing with TikTok Dental Advice: Educating Gen Z Before the Damage is Done
The findings reinforce results from the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer, which showed 45 per cent of adults aged 18 to 34 said their health decisions are influenced by “uncertified” voices such as influencers and content creators. Of that group, 58 per cent admitted to making a regrettable health decision based on misinformation from social media.
Root canals preferred over extractions
The AAE survey also found that 45 per cent of adults have had a root canal, and of those, 71 per cent said they were glad they opted for the procedure instead of having a tooth extracted. In fact, 29 per cent of all respondents said they would rather get the flu than have a tooth pulled.
You can also read: Canada rekindles oral health data surveys to track trends: ‘It was serendipity’
Dental trauma and food misconceptions
Many adults underestimate the dental risks posed by common foods. While 85 per cent of adults believe hard candy can damage teeth or cause injuries, fewer recognize the risks posed by popcorn (44 per cent) and nuts (37 per cent). Nearly half (49 per cent) of respondents said they had chipped a tooth on hard food, which raised concerns about their dental health.
Tooth trauma is also common, especially in children. It’s estimated that more than five million teeth are knocked out each year in both children and adults, with those under age 10 particularly vulnerable.
Misinformation versus trusted sources
While 85 per cent of adults said they trust dental professionals for oral health advice, nearly one in four (23 per cent) said they rely on Google searches. Meanwhile, 42 per cent said they only go to the dentist when experiencing pain, despite 94 per cent agreeing it’s important to keep their natural teeth as long as possible.
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