As the population ages, oral health is becoming more and more important, and tooth decay is a common problem among the elderly. Considering the impact of dental caries on oral health-related quality of life, it is critical to address dental caries in this group of people. Traditional fluoride treatments have proven effective, but alternative approaches such as silver diamine fluoride (SDF) offer promising solutions, especially for older adults with complex health needs.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has emerged as a viable option for preventing and stopping dental caries, showing effectiveness in all age groups, including the elderly. Despite its effectiveness, concerns remain about post-processing of black staining. Studies have shown that people accept this staining, especially children, but older people may have different perceptions, and further investigation is needed into their intentions to use SDF to treat caries.

Application of Rational Action Theory (TRA).

To explore the factors influencing the willingness of older adults to use SDF, researchers at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand used the Theory of Rational Action (TRA). This theoretical framework is rooted in social psychology and examines how attitudes and intentions shape behavior. The study aims to shed light on older adults' decision-making on SDF treatment by assessing behavioral beliefs, behavioral outcome assessments, normative beliefs, compliance motivations, attitudes, subjective norms, and intentions.

A total of 588 Thai speakers between the ages of 60 and 90 participated in the study. The results showed that 82.7% of the participants expressed an intention to use SDF to treat dental caries. Factors such as age, household income, underlying medical conditions, dental health issues, and fear of dentists significantly influence their wishes. Notably, behavioral beliefs and behavioral outcome assessments become key determinants of intent to use SDF.

Impact on dental practice

Understanding the factors driving the use of SDF in older adults is critical to informing dental practices and improving patient care. Dental professionals can use this knowledge to tailor treatments, address patients' concerns, and enhance communication about SDF treatment. By highlighting the benefits of SDF while acknowledging potential issues such as staining, clinicians can facilitate informed decision-making and optimize oral health outcomes in older adults.

This study fills a critical gap in understanding the perceptions and intentions of older adults regarding SDF caries treatment. By applying the TRA framework, the researchers identified the factors influencing decision-making in this ethnic group, providing valuable insights for dentists and policymakers. Going forward, continued research and education will be critical to further elucidate the role of SDF in promoting oral health in older adults.