Investigation of factors related to parental refusal of topical fluoride application in paediatric dentistry

Topical fluoride applications are one of the few evidence-based preventative treatments available to prevent tooth decay. Topical fluoride applications, which are also used in pediatric dentistry, sometimes cause hesitation in parents and are even rejected by them. The aim of this study is to investigate the reasons for parent refusal of topical fluoride applications. Within the scope of the study, a questionnaire was applied to evaluate the opinions and attitudes of 320 parents who applied to Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pedodontics, about fluoride applications. According to the survey results, it was determined that 51.9% of the participants had their children applied fluoride, and 40% had previously refused fluoride application. It was determined that 66.3% of the parents participating in the study needed more information about fluoride. It was found that 50.9% of the parents supported the fluoride application carried out by the Ministry of Health in schools. The responses of the participants were compared according to their parent child gender, income level, education level, and whether they had previously refused fluoride application. Statistically significant differences were found among the participants' responses in the groups where child gender, education level and refusal to fluoride application were compared (p <0.05). When the answers given by the parents to the questionnaire were compared according to their refusal of fluor; in the answers of 11 of 18 questions including the ability of children toleration fluoride application, opinions about the side effects of fluor application, the choice between fluoride application and tooth decay, the effect of social media on giving up fluoride application, and the support of the Ministry of Health for fluor application in schools statistically significant differences were found between the groups (p <0.05). More comprehensive studies are needed to eliminate concerns about topical fluoride application. We believe that sharing more information about the necessity, efficacy and safety of topical fluoride application with parents will be effective in reducing the views that prevent the application. Keywords: fluoride, fluoride refusal, parental attitude, parental behavior, preventive treatment, topical fluoride.