“I guess it looks worse to me, it doesn’t look like there’s been a problem solved but obviously there is”: a qualitative exploration of children’s and their parents’ views of silver diamine fluoride for the management of carious lesions in children

Abstract Background Despite growing evidence to support the use of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for managing carious lesions, and increased interest in SDF worldwide, uptake UK remains limited. This study explored parents’ children’s views acceptability management lesions children. Methods Eleven semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 11 parent–child dyads recruited from patients attending Dundee Dental Hospital School. Interviews transcribed verbatim, coded thematically analysed. Results Previous dental experience varied across all child participants. Of children, five had undergone general anaesthesia (GA) multiple primary tooth extractions. Two received treatment. Child participants expressed concerns about being picked on by their peers, if they discoloured anterior teeth. Younger children appeared less concerned discolouration child’s gender did not appear influence decision-making, nor preferences regarding SDF. Parents considered be particularly useful anxious or uncooperative but raised potential bullying at schools due unacceptable aesthetics when is applied They believed may judged others as neglecting oral health black staining. Both parents more accepting less-visible posterior accepted such treatment avoided extractions under GA. Conclusion unfavourable (black staining), appreciated treatment, especially younger However, both shared a consequence Raising awareness was identified one approach encourage