Fluoride hesitancy: A mixed methods study on decision-making about forms of fluoride.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Caregiver hesitancy regarding professionally applied topical fluoride is a barrier to preventive dental care.
• Understanding the scope and reasons for this hesitancy is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if caregivers hesitant about professionally applied topical fluoride also exhibit hesitancy towards other fluoride sources for their children.
• To explore the underlying reasons for fluoride hesitancy among caregivers.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study involving 56 caregivers hesitant about professionally applied topical fluoride.
• Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and quantitative data were analyzed using chi-squared tests.
• Qualitative data were analyzed using inductive coding and content analysis to identify reasons for hesitancy.

Main Results:

• Significant associations were found between hesitancy towards professionally applied topical fluoride, fluoridated water, and toothpaste (p < .01).
• Caregivers expressed greater opposition to fluoridated water (75%) than toothpaste (65%), but favored toothpaste (25%) over water (7%) when comfortable.
• Concerns about potential harm were the primary reason for opposing both water and toothpaste, though toothpaste was preferred due to controlled application and reduced ingestion risk.

Conclusions:

• Hesitancy towards professionally applied topical fluoride is significantly associated with hesitancy towards fluoridated water and toothpaste.
• Caregivers hesitant about topical fluoride expressed more comfort with fluoride toothpaste compared to fluoridated water.
• Addressing caregiver concerns about fluoride safety and control is essential for promoting oral health.