Harper Alex, Levy Steven M, Shi Wei
University of Iowa College of Dentistry, IA, USA.
J Prim Care Community Health. 2025 Jan-Dec;16:21501319251350921. doi: 10.1177/21501319251350921. Epub 2025 Jun 24.
Despite strong evidence supporting the benefits of water fluoridation in preventing dental caries, limited research exists on U.S. adults' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding fluoride and tap water intake. This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding fluoride and tap water intake of Green Hill, Alabama adults.
A convenience sample of 291 adults was surveyed concerning their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about fluoride in water and toothpaste, and water consumption preferences.
There was a high level of knowledge about fluoride's role in cavity prevention, with 92.4% correctly identifying its benefits. However, 18.3% were unaware that fluoride does not help maintain healthy gums. Regarding attitudes, 14.5% strongly agreed and 28.3% agreed that fluoride in drinking water was beneficial, while 29.1% strongly supported and 53.5% supported its inclusion in toothpaste. A preference for bottled water over tap water was noted by 84.4% of participants, with 36.9% citing distrust of tap water quality as a primary reason. Bivariate analysis found a positive perception of fluoride in tap water correlated with better knowledge, while education level and fluoride awareness influenced attitudes.
Additional research is necessary to explore reasons underlying adults' water consumption habits and fluoride perceptions.
尽管有强有力的证据支持水氟化在预防龋齿方面的益处，但关于美国成年人对氟化物和自来水摄入的知识、态度和行为的研究有限。本研究调查了阿拉巴马州格林希尔成年人对氟化物和自来水摄入的知识、态度和行为。
对291名成年人进行便利抽样调查，询问他们对水中和牙膏中氟化物的知识、态度和行为，以及用水偏好。
对氟化物在预防龋齿中的作用有较高的认知水平，92.4%的人正确认识到其益处。然而，18.3%的人不知道氟化物无助于保持牙龈健康。在态度方面，14.5%的人强烈同意，28.3%的人同意饮用水中的氟化物有益，而29.1%的人强烈支持，53.5%的人支持将其添加到牙膏中。84.4%的参与者表示更喜欢瓶装水而不是自来水，36.9%的人将对自来水质量的不信任作为主要原因。双变量分析发现，对自来水中氟化物的积极认知与更好的知识相关，而教育水平和氟化物认知影响态度。
有必要进行更多研究，以探索成年人用水习惯和对氟化物认知背后的原因。
