Fluoride & Remin Review ✓ Peer reviewed

Understanding Fluoride Hesitancy: A Qualitative Scoping Review

Journal of Dental Research · S.M.S. Chen, Y.J. Ong, L.Y. Soh, A.H.C. Tay, D.Y. Chow, J.R.H. Tay · 2026-03-18

A scoping review of 12 qualitative studies identified five interconnected domains underlying fluoride hesitancy: perceived toxicity, uncertainty about benefits, institutional mistrust, ethical concerns about autonomy, and discomfort with delivery methods. Hesitancy reflected emotional responses, lived experience, and trust issues rather than simple knowledge gaps.

A plain-English summary of the study's own findings — we don't add our own claims or interpretation. Read the full paper for the complete methods and results, and apply your own clinical judgement.

Read the full study at the source
The Recall — the month's most significant new dental research, summarised. Free.
Browse The Recall