In an age of social media algorithms, sensational headlines, and fast-moving online discourse, misinformation in oral health is spreading faster than ever. From fluoride myths to dubious “natural” cures for tooth decay, the consequences of false information can be severe—leading to delayed treatment, increased oral disease, and widening health inequalities.

The Problem with Oral Health Misinformation

Misinformation undermines public trust in professional guidance and disrupts evidence-based public health efforts. In oral health, this is especially damaging. For example, some communities have been led to believe that fluoride is harmful, despite overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary. Others are encouraged to avoid visiting the dentist altogether in favour of unproven, unregulated remedies.

These narratives are not only false—they’re dangerous. They contribute to:

  • Reduced uptake of preventive care
  • Fear or mistrust of dental professionals
  • Increased incidence of untreated dental disease
  • Higher healthcare costs and avoidable suffering

Fluoride: A Proven, Essential Public Health Tool

At BASCD, we are deeply concerned about the spread of misinformation—particularly around fluoride, one of the most effective and equitable public health interventions to reduce tooth decay.

🔍 Our position is clear:

“Community water fluoridation is the most cost-effective and sustainable oral health improvement strategy, and has the potential to reduce oral health inequalities. Water fluoridation should be used as a complementary strategy to other oral health improvement programmes aimed at reducing the prevalence and severity of tooth decay..”
– BASCD Position statement on Community Water Fluoridation

Scientific reviews, including those by Public Health England, the World Health Organization, and the UK’s Chief Medical Officers, continue to endorse fluoride as a safe and essential measure for improving population oral health.

Why the Stakes Are High

When communities are misled by pseudoscience and conspiracy theories, the impact is not limited to oral health. It erodes trust in all public health messaging—vaccines, disease prevention, dietary guidelines—and threatens our collective wellbeing. In oral health, this leads to preventable pain, tooth loss, and costly hospital admissions.

BASCD’s Role in Combating Misinformation

BASCD is committed to promoting evidence-based policy and practice. Through our research, position statements, and engagement with public health professionals, we aim to:

  • Equip professionals with up-to-date evidence and tools to communicate effectively
  • Support local authorities in implementing safe, effective prevention programmes
  • Champion oral health as a key part of overall health in political and public discourse

We also recognise the importance of engaging with the public in new ways—meeting people where they are online and helping them distinguish fact from fiction in a crowded media landscape.

What You Can Do

  • Share reliable, science-backed information from trusted sources (including BASCD, NHS, PHE, WHO).
  • Correct misinformation kindly but clearly—especially when you see it in your own networks.
  • Advocate for oral health in your local community and with policymakers.

Final Thoughts

In a time where misinformation can spread faster than science, the need for strong, clear, and compassionate communication has never been greater. At BASCD, we’re committed to ensuring that every policy, programme, and post reflects our dedication to evidence, equity, and oral health for all.

Let’s work together to push back against misinformation—and ensure that every child, adult, and community can benefit from trusted, high-quality oral health care.