PERIOMED EDUCATION · HEALTH LITERACY

Read beyond the headline.
Understand uncertainty.

Simple frameworks for evaluating oral-health information without losing scientific context, limitations or nuance.

A pattern has been observed between two factors or conditions. This is an important clue, not a final explanation.

The relationship may involve shared risk factors, behaviour, access to care, inflammation or other variables.

Demonstrating a direct causal effect requires stronger and converging evidence than a single observational finding.

Prefer “is associated with” or “may be linked with” when the evidence does not establish a direct causal pathway.

PAUSE BEFORE SHARING

Does the source describe what the study found—or does the headline make the conclusion sound stronger?

Reliable communication distinguishes evidence, interpretation and uncertainty.