What do you do when you have a patient who refuses fluoride!? You can tell them until you are blue in the face about the benefits of fluoride for your teeth but in the situations I’ve encountered that’s not what the patient is worried about. I believe the “science” they are quoting and believing is not reliable or based on double blind studies. I want some amazing article from the ADA or ADHA on how these claims have been disproven but I cant find anything from a credible source. Has anyone found anything they give to their patients?!
Here is an ADA link that has additional links regarding fluoride: http://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/advocating-for-the-public/fluoride-and-fluoridation
Like mentioned in other comments, all you can do is educate on evidence-based science and let them decide. But don’t hesitate to throw in a printout about fluoride in their goody bag! I also tell patients that fluoride is in many things they eat; it’s just not required to be on nutritional labeling.
If a patient refuses fluoride, I’ll usually ask why. Based on their answer, I’ll kind of figure out whether or not they are open to hearing my spiel about the benefits of fluoride. If I don’t feel they are open to it, I don’t push. The only time I might push a little harder is if the patient is a child with a lot of decay, decalcification, or braces.
I agree! All you can do is educate them and explain that as adults its not the fluoride that we ingest but the topical application that is important. Some people are wholeheartedly going to refuse it, and all you can do is document it.
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