Evaluation of Parents' Opinions on Dental Fluoride, Information Sources and Reflections on Their Children's Tooth Brushing Habits

Abstract

Background:This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parents’ attitudes towards dental fluoride and resources used to obtain information, and their children's oral hygiene habits. Methods:481 parents with children participated in this study. We prepared a questionnaire consisting of 23 questions and conducted the survey using online Google Forms. The parents were asked about their demographic data, fluoride views, resources for information, and children’s oral hygiene habits. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used for statistical evaluation. Results:36.4% of the participants stated that they do not know what purpose fluoride is used for in dentistry. 43.9% of those who had information stated that they had received information by internet and TV. 33.7% of them were of the opinion that the fluoride in toothpaste had an anti-caries effect, 14.6% were of the opinion that it was toxic. 81.4% of the participants who thought that the fluoride in toothpaste was toxic and harmful were university graduates and 82.9% women. 9.5% of the children of those who thought that the fluoride in toothpaste was toxic did not have a regular tooth brushing habit, and 37.2% did not have the habit of brushing their teeth every day or not at all. Conclusions:This findings demonstrated that most parents obtained information about dental fluoride and health from the media, and they require further information on these issues. Dentist-family cooperation should be established to educate parents about the advantages and disadvantages of fluoride and the fluoride protocols that should be applied according to child’s caries risk assessment.