Sir, having promoted fluoride ingestion for the first 25 years of dental practice, I am sympathetic to Reekie's dilemma regarding education of the sceptical patient.1 Listening to my 'fearful' patients, I finally read the research for myself. The evidence is like a knee in the gut. Many are ingesting too much fluoride. Benefit is not supported by good science. The evidence of serious risk is rapidly growing. My dental and public health professions would create less fear if we have balanced science based answers.

We should warn patients not to swallow toothpaste, use a tiny smear on a brush for children, and pregnant mothers to be especially careful not to swallow fluoride or fluoride products. Carefully instructing our patients with balanced evidence will raise their confidence in our profession and reduce their fear.