FLUORIDE AND FAKE NEWS IN ADDRESSING MISINFORMATION IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

AN EXPERIENCE REPORT

Abstract

Objective: To report the experience of addressing misinformation regarding fluoride use in Primary Health Care, utilizing digital communication strategies as a health education tool. Experience report: This is an experience report focused on observation and an educational intervention, developed from professional practice at a Basic Health Unit in a municipality in southern Brazil. The intervention was structured following the recurrent identification of doubts and concerns regarding fluoride during clinical appointments and collective health activities. Educational materials were produced, health group activities were conducted, and a digital communication strategy was implemented through an institutional social media profile, including informational posts and direct interaction with users via the question box feature. It was observed that misinformation influenced health behaviors, leading to the discontinuation of fluoride-containing products and to questioning of public health policies. The team perceived that the digital strategy assisted in the identification of recurring myths, expanding dialogue with the community by translating scientific evidence into accessible language, suggesting a strengthening of the bond between the team and users. Conclusion: Combatting fake news about fluoride requires empathetic, accessible, and evidence-based communication. The use of digital media proved to be a powerful tool for health promotion and for assisting in strengthening trust in public health policies.