Abstract
BackgroundsSilver diamine fluoride (SDF) has clinical success in arresting dentin caries, this study aimed to investigate its mechanism of action.MethodsUsing a computer-controlled artificial mouth, we studied the effect of 38% SDF on cariogenic biofilms and dentin carious lesions. We used five common cariogenic bacteria (Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Actinomyces naeslundii) to form a cariogenic biofilm that generated carious lesions with a depth of approximately 70 um on human dentin blocks. We applied 38% SDF to the lesions in the test group and water to those in the control group. The blocks were incubated in the artificial mouth for 21 days before evaluation. Microbial kinetics, architecture, viability and distribution were evaluated every 7 days using colony forming unit (CFU), scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The physical properties of the carious lesions were evaluated with microhardness testing, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR).ResultsThe CFU results revealed fewer colony forming units in the test group compared with the control group (p < 0.01). Scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy showed less bacterial growth in the test group, and confluent cariogenic biofilm in the control group (p < 0.01). The microhardness and weight percentages of calcium and phosphorus in the test group from the outermost 50mum were higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). EDS showed that calcium and phosphous were higher in outer 50 mum in test groups than in the control FTIR revealed less exposed collagen I in the test lesions compared with the control group (p < 0.01).Conclusions38% SDF inhibits multi-species cariogenic biofilm formation on dentin carious lesions and reduces the demineralization process.
Highlights
The topical application of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a cost-effective agent in the management of caries [1]
The results of the total log colony forming unit (CFU) reveal that SDF inhibited the growth of all five bacteria on the carious dentin by the end of day 7, day 14, and day 21 (p < 0.01)
At the end of day 7, the CFU in the test group dropped to low values for all of the species
Summary
The topical application of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a cost-effective agent in the management of caries [1]. Clinical studies have shown that SDF is effective in arresting dentin caries [2,3,4] and enamel caries [5], but its mechanism of action remains unclear. Laboratory studies have reported that SDF prevents the formation of Streptococcus mutans or Actinomyces naeslundii mono-species biofilms [6]. SDF inhibits the demineralization of dentin [6,7]. SDF is commonly used at 38% [8]. A lower concentration at 12% is available but clinical studies found that it was not as effective as 38% in arresting dental caries among children [9,10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
