Dr Chinwe Akuonu explores fluoride misinformation, personalised preventive care and how a patient-friendly approach can improve the compliance with and effectiveness of fluoride treatment.
In this episode of Dentistry Connected, Solventum clinical advisor Karen Toole speaks with general dentist Dr Chinwe Akuonu about the changing role of fluoride therapy. Their conversation explores misinformation around fluoride, the importance of personalised preventive care and how factors such as taste, texture and treatment time can influence patient compliance.
They also discuss Clinpro Clear fluoride treatment and how a clearer, simpler and more patient-friendly application could help bring professional fluoride treatment into the modern dental practice.
Have patients become more prevention-aware, or are they more confused?
Chinwe: I would say both. They are definitely more prevention-aware, thanks to social media. We all have access to the internet on our phones, so if you are ever confused about something, you can look it up.
We know how expensive it can be to treat disease, especially dental disease, and we are aware of the NHS crisis and people who do not have access to dentistry.
At the same time, there is still a lot of confusion. There is a lot of information out there, but sometimes that information can be untrue. Patients come into practice and say, ‘I read about this’ or ‘I saw this video on TikTok. What do you think?’
Fluoride is particularly relevant. Patients ask: ‘Is it toxic? Is it not toxic?’ When we are about to put fluoride varnish on children, parents can sometimes be worried.
When we talk about fluoride, it is about understanding that many things are good for us but can be harmful in very high doses. Fluoride is one of those things where we weigh the benefits against the possible damage. When it is used within the recommended doses, we know that it works really well.
How do sensory sensitivities such as texture, taste and smell affect compliance?
Chinwe: They definitely affect compliance, especially with children. If a child does not like the smell or taste of something, they are not going to let you put it in their mouth. They will spit it out straight away.
After fluoride application, we tell patients not to eat or rinse. Imagine having a taste you do not like in your mouth. As soon as you step out of the practice, you are going to spit it out and rinse.
For a patient at high risk of dental disease, that protection is then gone. If there is no compliance, we are wasting our time, money and resources.
The consistency and texture are also important, particularly for neurodiverse patients. After the application of some fluoride products, patients can experience a sticky feeling. Children sometimes sit with their mouths open because they do not know what to do. They are thinking: ‘Should I stay open? Should I stay closed? Can I swallow?’
These factors can seem like small details, but they can make a significant difference to whether the treatment is accepted and ultimately effective.
Why is toothpaste not enough for some patients?
Chinwe: Because we are not all the same. Some people are more predisposed to developing disease.
Patients may be neurodiverse, have impaired mobility, gum recession, hard-to-reach areas or deep pits and fissures. These factors increase their risk, and the amount of fluoride in a regular toothpaste may not be enough.
That is when extra professional care and the application of a high-fluoride treatment become important.
Sometimes patients try their best to do everything correctly, but every time they come in, there is another cavity. They are brushing, flossing and using interdental brushes, but they still need extra help.
It is not one size fits all. It is about understanding the patient’s risk of dental disease and creating a care plan specifically for them.
How is Clinpro Clear different from traditional fluoride varnishes?
Chinwe: From my point of view as the dental professional applying the product, it is very easy to use. It has a single-use applicator, and it is simple to press, activate and apply.
I have found that it sticks to the tooth rather than the brush. It is also clear and transparent, so the patient does not get up from the chair with a coloured varnish visible on their teeth.
Having that clear, smooth feeling on the teeth is important for patients. There are also different flavour options for different kinds of patients. There is a flavourless option, which can be useful for neurodiverse patients, as well as mint and watermelon.
We are all different in terms of flavour and sensory preferences. Giving patients options can help make the experience easier and improve their acceptance of the treatment.
Listen to the full conversation on YouTube or Spotify.
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