Fluoride Awareness, Safety Concerns, and Sociodemographic Patterns: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study in Preventive Dentistry

Background/Objectives: Systemic fluoridation represents one of the most effective public health interventions for preventing dental caries, being endorsed by international organizations such as the WHO and CDC. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between May and June 2023 on a sample of 200 adults from Iasi, Romania. A self-administered questionnaire composed of 15 items was used to assess knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes regarding systemic fluoridation. Results: Most respondents (94%) declared familiarity with the term "fluoride," and 91% were aware of its protective role in dental health. However, only 34% reported awareness of the types of fluoridation, and 53% recognized the term “dental fluorosis.” Familiarity with “water fluoridation” was significantly associated with education level (χ² = 32.219, p < 0.001, r = 0.401), while gender significantly influenced perceptions regarding fluoride safety (χ² = 6.031, p = 0.049, r = 0.174). The perception of toxicity was strongly correlated with belief in the safety of general fluoridation (χ² = 29.116, p < 0.001, r = 0.382), highlighting cognitive dissonance. Awareness of “dental fluorosis” was significantly correlated with knowledge of preventive strategies for children (χ² = 67.31, p = 0.000, r = 0.580). Conclusions: Although general awareness of fluoride is high, deeper understanding of systemic fluoridation remains limited. Targeted educational interventions tailored to the population’s educational and demographic profile are required.