Understanding Older Adults’ Intention to Use Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) for Dental Caries Treatment

As the population ages, oral health becomes increasingly important, with tooth decay being a prevalent issue among older adults. Addressing dental caries in this demographic is crucial, considering its impact on oral health-related quality of life. Traditional fluoride treatments have proven effective, but alternative methods such as Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) offer promising solutions, particularly for older adults with complex health needs.

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) has emerged as a viable option for caries prevention and arrest, showing effectiveness in various age groups, including older adults. Despite its efficacy, concerns regarding black staining post-treatment remain. Studies have shown acceptance of this staining, especially in children, but perceptions among older adults may differ, warranting further investigation into their intention to use SDF for caries treatment.

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Application of Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA)

To explore the factors influencing older adults’ intention to use SDF, researchers from Chulalongkorn University in Thailand employed the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). This theoretical framework, rooted in social psychology, examines how attitudes and intentions shape behavior. By assessing behavioral beliefs, evaluations of behavioral outcomes, normative beliefs, motivation to comply, attitude, subjective norms, and intention, the study aimed to uncover insights into older adults’ decision-making regarding SDF treatment.

A total of 588 Thai-speaking individuals aged 60 to 90 participated in the study. Results revealed that 82.7% of participants expressed an intention to use SDF for dental caries treatment. Factors such as age, family income, underlying diseases, dental health problems, and fear of the dentist significantly influenced their intention. Notably, behavioral beliefs and evaluations of behavioral outcomes emerged as key determinants of intention to use SDF.

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Implications for Dental Practice

Understanding the factors driving older adults’ intention to use SDF is crucial for informing dental practice and improving patient care. Dental professionals can utilize this knowledge to tailor treatment approaches, address patient concerns, and enhance communication regarding SDF treatment. By emphasizing the benefits of SDF while acknowledging potential concerns such as staining, clinicians can promote informed decision-making and optimize oral health outcomes in older adults.

This study fills a critical gap in understanding older adults’ perceptions and intentions regarding SDF treatment for dental caries. By applying the TRA framework, researchers have identified factors influencing decision-making in this demographic, providing valuable insights for dental practitioners and policymakers alike. Moving forward, continued research and education are essential to further elucidate the role of SDF in promoting oral health among older adults.