Social Media and Oral Hygiene Awareness in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Social media usage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is widespread, with 94.30% of the population engaged in 2024, averaging 3 hours per day. This study investigated the relationship between social media engagement and oral hygiene awareness in the KSA and identified commonly used platforms for dental health information. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous, validated questionnaire distributed electronically at a governmental hospital. The survey included demographic data, social media engagement, and oral hygiene awareness. Data were analyzed using STATA, applying chi-square tests and scoring awareness levels. Of 346 participants, 46.11%, 36.31%, and 17.58% exhibited moderate, high, and low oral hygiene awareness, respectively. Women displayed higher awareness than men (p = 0.049). Higher education levels correlated with increased awareness (p = 0.04). Google and YouTube were the most used platforms, while Snapchat and TikTok were less used among those with high awareness. Participants primarily trusted information from dentists and official organizations, with qualifications being the most important trust factor. Social media significantly contributes to oral health information dissemination, and most participants demonstrated moderate to high awareness levels, with Google and YouTube as the preferred platforms.