HAKAN AYDIN
International Dental Research - 2024;14(1):34-41
Aim: This study aimed to determine the nature of internet searches regarding toothache in Türkiye, to identify sub-region differences and seasonality effects, and to examine the effects of dentist density and socioeconomic differences. Methodology: The Google Trends service was used to evaluate online search queries regarding toothache in Türkiye over the previous five years. Queries and topics related to toothache and sub-regional differences in search results were examined, and seasonal differences were identified from a constructed time series using decomposition analysis. Sub-regional cities were categorized by socioeconomic status and dentist density, and the relationship of these predictor variables with the searches was examined using linear regression analysis. The significance level was determined as 5%. Results: The most searched terms and topics were mostly focused on how to deal with toothache at home. Seasonal differences were observed in searches, with April and the months of summer the most searched periods and with search queries decreasing during the winter months. Searches were greater in sub-regional cities characterized by lower socioeconomic status and lower densities of dentists. Conclusion: Online searches of public sources regarding toothache are increasing, and individuals use infodemiological information in place of professional advice when suffering from toothache, turning more to online tools under conditions and during periods when it is difficult to access a dentist.
