Parental Acceptance of Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment for Children

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess the parental acceptance of silver diamine fluoride and to determine whether the acceptability level differs depending on the demographic factors and the location of dental caries. Demographic data and the opinion about the staining effect of SDF treatment on primary teeth were obtained through questionnaire from parents of 60 children aged between 2-5 years with ECC in Chennai, India. The opinion was obtained after showing clinical photographs of SDF treatment. Of the 60 participants, male parents with low socioeconomic status, tend to accept the SDF treatment more. To our knowledge, this is the first study to check for the parental acceptance and perception of silver diamine fluoride treatment in Indian populations. The results show that parent's gender, child's gender, socioeconomic status, level of education, number of children in the family plays an essential role in the acceptance of SDF treatment by the parents. Parents with high socioeconomic status accept SDF treatment to avoid treatment under general anesthesia. A significant difference between male and female and the anterior and posterior teeth (P < 0.05) was observed in acceptance ratings of SDF treatment. Though parents have a concern with the discoloration associated with SDF treatment, most of them prefer SDF treatment over treatment under general anesthesia.