Promoting sugar-free medicines: parents' views.

BACKGROUND A long-standing concern among dental health professionals has been about the harmful effects of sugered medicines on teeth, especially in children who regularly take such medications. AIM To investigate parental attitudes, perceptions, and motivations to sugar-free medicines so that an effective promotional campaign could be mounted. METHOD A qualitative, focus group approach was used to gather data. RESULTS These show the dominant influence of the doctor over the patient/parent, and the bearing this has on the prescribing of sugar-free medicines. CONCLUSION This study highlights the scope for sugar-free medicine promotion for prescribed and over-the-counter products, and the polarizing of attitudes to the use of sugar-free medicines based on social class.