What My Viral Instagram Reel Told Me About How We Should Be Talking to Patients About Fluoride

By Dr. David Markiewicz, Markiewicz Dental

Recently, I posted a reel on Instagram about fluoride. I thought it was a quick, light-hearted take on a topic we talk about every day in the dental world. What I didn’t expect? Over a million views, thousands of shares, and a comment section that turned into a digital battleground.

People had thoughts—strong ones.

Some were supportive. Others…not so much. I saw everything from heartfelt testimonials about the benefits of fluoride to conspiracy theories and angry all-caps rants. And while it would be easy to brush it off or roll my eyes, the experience actually gave me a lot to think about—especially when it comes to how we talk to our patients.

Here’s what I learned:

1. Fluoride is More Controversial Than We Realize
As a dentist, fluoride feels like a no-brainer. It’s backed by decades of research and has played a huge role in reducing tooth decay across populations. But for many people, especially those who’ve been exposed to misinformation online, fluoride feels suspicious, scary, or even harmful.

That gap in understanding? It’s on us to bridge it, not with judgment, but with clear communication and compassion.

2. The Word “Neurotoxin” Carries Weight—Even If the Science Doesn’t Support the Fear
One of the most common concerns in the comments was the idea that fluoride is a neurotoxin. That word popped up again and again—and understandably, it scares people.

Here’s the truth: almost anything can be toxic at high enough levels, including water, oxygen, and even natural remedies like essential oils. Yes, there are studies that have explored the effects of extremely high fluoride exposure in certain areas of the world. But the levels used in U.S. dental products and public water systems are nowhere near those amounts and remain well within safety margins established by long-term, peer-reviewed research.

Instead of dismissing the concern outright, we should validate the emotion behind it: “I can see why that sounds alarming. Let’s talk about what the research actually shows.” Then we can explain the difference between dosage and danger—and the importance of context.

3. People Don’t Respond to Lectures—They Respond to Stories

The reel wasn’t a lecture. It was casual, real, and had a sense of humor. And that’s why it resonated. It reminded me that patients don’t always want a science textbook explanation—they want stories, real-life examples, and a tone that feels human, not condescending.

If someone’s hesitant about fluoride, we can start by asking questions. “What have you heard?” “What are your concerns?” Then we can explain the benefits in terms that matter to them or their family, not just to a dental journal.

4. Trust Is Earned, Not Assumed
Just because I’m wearing a white coat doesn’t mean people will automatically believe me. Especially not in 2025, when trust in institutions is shaky and everyone has Google at their fingertips.

What builds trust? Listening. Taking time. Explaining the “why.” And—sometimes— acknowledging when the science is nuanced. Because let’s be honest, it often is.

5. We Need to Meet People Where They Are, Even If That Means Exploring Alternatives
Here’s something I didn’t expect this reel to teach me: maybe it’s time we take fluoride alternatives more seriously.

Not because they’re always better. Not because they’re more effective or more economical. But because that’s where some of our patients are. They’re searching for options that feel more “natural” or that align with their values—even if we don’t share those same priorities.

If our goal is to improve oral health, then we may need to work with people rather than against them. That could mean offering evidence-based alternatives like nano-hydroxyapatite, or at the very least, being open to a discussion instead of shutting it down. If a patient walks away from the dentist due to an issue with fluoride, we haven’t won— we’ve lost the chance to help them protect their health in any way.

6. Social Media Isn’t Just for Entertainment—It’s a Conversation Starter
This reel reminded me that we can’t assume our patients know where we stand—or what we recommend—on topics like fluoride. Reels, posts, and even memes are a way to open the door, not close the case.
Whether a post goes viral or not, I want our patients to know we’re here for honest, thoughtful discussions about their health—not lectures or scare tactics.

So… What’s the Takeaway?
The next time a patient asks me about fluoride, I’ll remember that reel. I’ll remember that not everyone trusts it automatically. I’ll remember that for some, the word “neurotoxin” outweighs any research I can cite.

And I’ll also remember this: we are unlikely to change someone’s mind during a single hygiene visit—especially when they’ve been influenced by years of online content and social mistrust. That’s not a failure; it’s just a reminder of the limits of the one-on-one dental appointment.

That’s why it’s so important that we offer real, science-backed alternatives for patients who are fluoride-hesitant. It’s not giving in—it’s meeting people in the middle.

The larger effort to change public perception around fluoride shouldn’t fall solely on dentists in private practice. That work belongs with organized groups like the ADA, public health institutions, and large-scale education campaigns. They have the resources and reach to shift the narrative. We, in the meantime, can focus on meeting individual patients with empathy, respect, and options.

And yes—I’ll keep making reels. Because if one silly video can get millions of people talking about oral health, I’d say that’s a pretty good start.