Let’s Combat Fluoride Hesitancy with Science 

Over the past year, fluoride has been under increased scrutiny in the media. As dental professionals, you’ve been seeing the downstream effects chairside: patients arriving with real fear and tough questions about whether fluoride is safe for themselves or their children. To address fluoride hesitancy effectively, we need to give patients more than reassurance—we need solid, science-backed strategies we can confidently share.

The Problem with the Headlines

A recurring theme in recent media coverage is the claim that fluoride lowers IQ or negatively impacts cognition. These headlines are often based on studies conducted at very high fluoride exposure levels—far above what’s used in community water fluoridation in the U.S.—but that critical context is frequently left out. Patients walk away with the impression that any fluoride exposure is dangerous.

What the Science Shows

New, high-quality research tells a very different story. A large, nationally representative study published in Science Advances examined childhood fluoride exposure and cognitive performance across the lifespan. The findings are reassuring—and even encouraging:

• “For each measure of adolescent cognitive performance, students performed better if they were exposed to sufficient levels of fluoride—either throughout childhood, or during part of childhood.”
• The results… “show that fluoride exposure relevant to community water fluoridation is not associated with lower IQ scores in children”

👉 Check out the full article (PDF download) 

Other Tools to Help You Navigate the Fluoride Conversation

You don’t have unlimited time in the operatory. To aid you in the battle against fluoride hesitancy, we’ve gathered several resources you can share with your patients that they can review on their own time:

Fluoride Facts Sheet

We created a concise, patient-friendly fact sheet you can print and share. It addresses common myths, highlights well-established benefits, and puts safety concerns into proper scientific context

👉 Download fluoride fact sheet

A Mom’s Guide to Fluoride (ADA)

For parents—especially moms—who are worried about fluoride exposure in children, the ADA’s MouthHealthy website offers an excellent, approachable resource. It directly addresses common concerns using evidence-based guidance in plain language.

🔗 https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/moms-guide-to-fluoride

Fluoride Fact Checked (AAP)

In response to last year’s wave of fear-driven fluoride headlines, the American Academy of Pediatrics reviewed and fact-checked the claims. Their conclusion is clear: fluoride remains a powerful, safe tool that supports patients’ dental and overall health.

🔗 https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/fact-checked/fact-checked-fluoride-is-a-powerful-tool-for-preventing-tooth-decay/

Turning Science into Confidence

Fluoride hesitancy isn’t going away on its own—but as oral health professionals, you are uniquely positioned to counter misinformation with evidence. By leaning on credible research and trusted resources, you can help your patients move from fear to understanding—and continue to protect both their oral and overall health with confidence.

Have questions or want to learn more about how Centrix can make prevention easier for you and your patients? Call us at 800.235.5862 or contact your Centrix Account Manager.