Evaluation of parents' attitudes and behaviors towards products and practices containing fluoride

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate parents’ attitudes and behaviors about fluoride-containing products and practices. Methods: The study was conducted between April 2023 and February 2024. Parents of children who applied to Dicle University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry voluntarily participated in the study and a total of 350 parents participated. A face-to-face questionnaire consisting of 2 sections and a total of 26 questions was administered to the parents. Results: Among the parents who participated in our study, 56.86% stated that they had never heard of fluoride before. Those who had heard of fluoride stated that they had heard about it from school screenings and dentists. 16.86% of the parents stated that fluoride is harmful, but 68% of them did not have any information about it. 78.8% of the parents stated that they did not know the effect of brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste on the prevention of dental caries and 76.57% stated that they did not look at the fluoride content when choosing toothpaste. 84% of the parents stated that they did not know the fluoride applications made by the physician and 74.57% stated that they would not have their children do it. The vast majority of those who would not have their children fluoridated (73.95%) stated that they would not do so because they did not have information about fluoride. We found that 92% of the parents did not know systemic fluoride applications, 90% did not know whether the drinking water they used contained fluoride, and 93.43% did not know whether fluoride in drinking water helps prevent dental caries formation. Conclusion: Considering the high caries risk and oral hygiene deficiencies in our country, the need to use fluoride in dental treatments is increasing. Therefore, the public’s lack of knowledge and concerns about fluoride should be addressed and the use of preventive treatments such as fluoride should be increased.