A routine check-up at the dentist turned into an uncomfortable confrontation for Lydia* about the use of fluoride. After she honestly admitted that she used toothpaste without fluoride, the dentist removed the planned treatment for a crown from his agenda. But is that really allowed?
*Lydia is a pseudonym, as the Radar source prefers to remain anonymous.
A new practice without fluoride
Lydia has been brushing with fluoride-free toothpaste for a year and a half. This is the result of well-intentioned advice from her sister-in-law, who was apparently caught in a myth trap. When the dentist asked Lydia about her brushing habits, she admitted honestly. This did not go down well with the health care provider: the appointment for her crown was quickly cancelled.
“I had to put off a crown all of a sudden. Because I was brushing with toothpaste without fluoride,” Lydia tells Radar.
Why dentists swear by fluoride
According to Dagmar Else Slot, professor of Prevention in Oral Care at the Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), it is very unwise to brush without fluoride. “Fluoride ensures that your teeth remain strong and you are less prone to tooth decay, or cavities,” said the scientist.
However, using fluoride-free toothpaste is a personal choice. Does the dentist have anything to say about that at all?
The crowning glory of the fight
During a half-hour conversation, the dentist explained to Lydia why he did not want to continue the treatment. The reason? The risk of diseases. Food residue and bacteria can accumulate under a crown, and without fluoride, the dentist says that problem would only increase. Lydia felt stressed: “I ended up going back to fluoride toothpaste, because I was afraid there was nothing I could do otherwise. It’s that I’m not very principled about it, but it doesn’t feel good to be under pressure. I can’t just switch to another dentist.”
Can a dentist refuse treatment?
According to dentist Dyo Ottens, Lydia’s dentist’s decision is stupid. “It’s crazy that treatment is denied because they don’t brush with fluoride. We are also not going to send someone away because they don’t clean. We are not allowed to refuse patients when they come to us for treatment. You can make them brush better, but you can’t say you’re not going to treat them. ”
Therefore the use of fluoride, or lack thereof, should not be a reason to reject a crown.
Fluoride and age
Although fluoride is essential for strengthening teeth, it is less important in adults. “Fluoride is especially important in children, because the enamel is not yet fully developed,” Ottens explains. “Fluoride is less effective in adults because teeth have already grown.”
2024-11-25 13:11:00
#Fluoridefree #toothpaste #costs #patients #crown #denial #denial #absolute #madness
How can dentists effectively communicate the benefits of fluoride to patients who are hesitant or opposed to its use, while respecting their autonomy and personal preferences?
## Interview: Fluoride-Free and Facing the Dentist
**Introduction**
Welcome to World Today News, where we delve into the issues impacting your daily life. Today we are discussing a controversial topic in oral healthcare: the use of fluoride-free toothpaste and its implications for dental treatment. Joining us are Professor Dagmar Else Slot, a leading expert in Preventive Oral Care from ACTA, and practicing dentist Dr. Dyo Ottens.
**Section 1: The Importance of Fluoride**
**(To Professor Slot)** Many people, like Lydia in our story, are choosing to switch to fluoride-free toothpaste. Can you explain why fluoride is considered so important in dental health, and how does its absence affect teeth, particularly in adults?
**(To Dr. Ottens)** Professor Slot highlights the benefits of fluoride, especially for children. Do you agree with this assessment? How do you approach the topic of fluoride use with your adult patients, knowing there are varying opinions and perspectives?
**Section 2: Dental Treatment and Personal Choices**
**(To Dr. Ottens)** Lydia’s experience raises a critical question: Can a dentist refuse treatment based on a patient’s personal choice, such as using fluoride-free toothpaste? What are the ethical considerations involved in such a situation?
**(To Professor Slot)** Dr. Ottens deems Lydia’s dentist’s decision “crazy” and states that dentists cannot refuse treatment. Do you agree with this viewpoint? What are some best practices dentists can employ when encountering patients who have opted for fluoride-free dental care?
**(To Both)** How can dentists and patients find common ground and work collaboratively to achieve optimal oral health outcomes, respecting individual choices while prioritizing overall well-being?
**Section 3: The Future of Fluoride**
**(Open to Both)** Looking ahead, do you anticipate a shift in public opinion regarding fluoride use? What factors might influence this trend, and what role can educational initiatives play in promoting informed decision-making?
**Conclusion**
Thank you, Professor Slot and Dr. Ottens, for sharing your invaluable insights on this complex issue. Ultimately, the decision to use fluoride-free toothpaste remains a personal one. However, it’s crucial for patients to have access to accurate information and open dialogue with their dentists to make informed choices about their oral healthcare. We encourage our listeners to continue this conversation with their healthcare providers and to explore reliable resources for further information.
