Can silver diamine fluoride (SDF) reduce the impact on young children of waiting for dental care?
This study investigates if a treatment called silver diamine fluoride (SDF) can help children aged 1-8 years old who have tooth decay and are on waiting lists for dental surgery under general anaesthetic. Unfortunately, many children waiting for this surgery suffer from pain, infections, and even miss school. SDF is a liquid applied to teeth that can stop decay from getting worse. The researchers want to see if applying SDF to decaying baby teeth can reduce these problems for children while they wait for their operation. Children and their parents will be asked about their experiences with pain and infection throughout the study. This research hopes to find a way to make the waiting period more comfortable for these children.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine your child has tooth decay and needs dental surgery, but there's a long wait for the operation. During this time, they might experience pain, infections, difficulty sleeping, or even have to miss school. This is a common problem for many young children in the UK, as dental extractions (taking out teeth) are a leading reason for children to be admitted to hospital for surgery.
This study is looking into whether a simple treatment called silver diamine fluoride (SDF) can help stop these problems. SDF is a liquid that can be painted onto decayed baby teeth to stop the decay from spreading. The main goal is to find out if using SDF can reduce a child's pain and prevent infections while they are waiting for their dental surgery under general anaesthetic.
Researchers will be applying SDF to the decayed teeth of children involved in the study. They will then ask children and their parents about how they are feeling, specifically about any pain or infections, and how this affects their daily life. The information collected will help us understand if SDF can make a real difference to the well-being of children waiting for important dental care.
Key takeaways
- The study explores if SDF can make waiting for dental surgery easier for children.
- SDF aims to reduce pain and infections in young children with tooth decay.
- Participation involves SDF application and questionnaires about your child's well-being.
- Potential benefits include less pain; a known side effect is temporary tooth staining.
- The study runs from March to September 2025 and is funded by the Royal College of Surgeons.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for children aged between 1 and 8 years old.
To be considered, your child must have tooth decay in their baby teeth and already be on a waiting list for dental surgery under general anaesthetic to have these teeth treated or removed.
Parents will also be closely involved in the study alongside their child. However, children with certain medical conditions that mean SDF treatment isn't suitable for them would not be able to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is your child aged between 1 and 8 years old?
- Does your child have tooth decay in their baby teeth?
- Is your child already on a waiting list for dental surgery under general anaesthetic for these teeth?
- Do you, as a parent, wish to be involved in answering questions about your child's experience?
- Does your child have any medical conditions that might prevent them from having the SDF treatment?
What does participation involve?
If you and your child join the study, your child will have a treatment called silver diamine fluoride (SDF) applied to their decayed baby teeth. This will happen while you are on the waiting list for their main dental surgery. The research team will track how many children accept this SDF treatment.
During the study, both you and your child will be asked to fill out questionnaires. These will ask about things like any pain your child is experiencing, whether they have had any infections, and how their dental health is affecting their quality of life. Some families will also be invited for interviews to share more detailed experiences. The study is expected to run from March 2025 to September 2025, which means your participation, including follow-up questionnaires, would be spread over this period.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (3)
- Bradford District Care NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyShipley, United Kingdom
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCity onlySheffield, United Kingdom
- Cardiff & Vale University LhbCity onlyCardiff, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is silver diamine fluoride (SDF)?
SDF is a liquid medicine that dentists can paint onto decayed teeth. It helps to stop the decay from getting worse and can also relieve pain.
Will this replace my child's dental surgery?
No, this study is about reducing problems while waiting. Your child will still have the planned dental surgery under general anaesthetic.
Will my child's teeth be stained?
SDF can cause decayed areas of teeth to turn black. This stain is permanent on the decayed part but doesn't harm the tooth.
How often will we need to visit the clinic?
The study will involve applying SDF to your child's teeth and then asking you to complete questionnaires about their experience while they wait for their main dental appointment.
What if we decide not to take part?
Choosing not to take part, or withdrawing at any time, will not affect your child's dental care or their place on the waiting list for surgery.
How to find out more
Laura Timms
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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