Abstract

NEW HORIZONS OF ARRESTING CARIES PROGRESSION WITH SILVER DIAMINE FLUORIDE: LITERATURE REVIEW

Suvarnan Kollara Sreni, Sankar Annamalai, Jamaluddin Mohammed Farzan* and Parisa Norouzi Baghkomeh

ABSTRACT

Increasing attention has been given to the use of silver diamine fluoride (SDF), a topical fluoride solution, in dental practice. SDF is a colourless, clear, alkaline fluoride solution consisting of fluoride and silver ions. Silver salts can produce a strong antimicrobial effect and they have a long history of use in dentistry. In the meantime, the use of topical fluoride has proven effective in the prevention of dental caries. Hence, the combination of silver and fluoride has the capacity to halt the caries progression and simultaneously prevent new caries. There are a number of challenges associated with the conventional treatment of early childhood caries in young children, including behavioural problems and lack of co-operation. SDF offers an alternative option to conventional restorative treatment for a significant number of children under 3 years of age, that would otherwise need treatment under sedation or general anesthesia. Also, SDF is widely used in Covid - 19 pandemic situation, with the advantage of being a non- aerosol generating procedure. This review paper emphasizes the uses of SDF, the mechanism of action, clinical safety and clinical efficacy of SDF, including arresting caries progression.

Keywords: Dental caries, Caries arrest, Caries prevention, Silver Diamine Fluoride.