Oral healthcare professionals' role in reducing young people's sugar-sweetened beverage consumption: a qualitative study

Aims This qualitative study aimed to seek views from children and young people (CYP), caregivers, and oral health professionals (OHPs) on the role of OHPs in reducing sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption.Methods Thirty-eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with CYP aged 11-16 years (n = 18), caregivers (n = 9) and OHPs working in general dental practices, paediatric and orthodontic services (n = 11). Topic guides, informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework, structured the interviews. Interviews were analysed using framework analysis with concurrent data collection.Results Data from the qualitative interviews suggested agreement that OHPs have a key role in SSB reduction in CYP and identified four themes: 1) OHPs' knowledge and awareness of different types of SSBs; 2) SSB consumption in CYP - influences and consequences; 3) the role of OHPs supporting reduced SSB consumption; and 4) navigating the challenges of behaviour change in adolescents. Key influences on SSB consumption for CYP included taste, peers, and social media. OHPs reported challenges in supporting behaviour change, citing peer pressure, autonomy, and time constraints.Conclusion Given the established relationship between SSB consumption and poor oral health and inequalities, OHPs are well-placed to support its reduction in CYP.