15/08/2026
Teenagers who more frequently watched mukbang and cookbang videos—online videos featuring people eating or cooking—were more likely to report toothaches, gum pain, and bleeding gums, according to a recent study.
Researchers analyzed data from 106,005 adolescents in South Korea and found that part of this association was linked to higher consumption of sugary beverages and late-night snacks—both well-known risk factors for tooth decay and gum disease.
The relationship followed a dose-response pattern, meaning oral health problems became more common as viewing frequency increased. Adolescents who watched these videos most often were more likely to report oral symptoms than those who did not watch them. However, because this was a cross-sectional study, the findings show an association and do not prove that watching these videos directly causes dental disease.
The findings highlight how the modern digital food environment may influence eating habits and, ultimately, oral health. As food-related content becomes increasingly popular among young people, understanding its impact on health behaviors is becoming more important.
đź“š Study:
Kim SJ. Mukbang/Cookbang viewing and adolescent oral symptoms: A nationally representative analysis of social patterning in South Korea. SSM – Population Health. 2026;35:101959.
