Silver diamine fluoride for managing carious lesions: A literature review

Abstract

Though the prevalence and the severity of dental caries is decreased in past few years, still children from low socioeconomical status in many industrialized or developing countries are still suffering from ill-effects of dental caries. The antimicrobial effect of silver compounds has been proven by the 100-year-old application of silver compounds. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has been used to arrest dental caries during 1970s in Japan, but it was not exposed much to other parts of the world. Today in many countries a 38% (44,800 ppm fluoride) SDF solution is commonly used to arrest caries and also to reduce hypersensitivity in primary and permanent teeth. Application of SDF to arrest dental caries is non-invasive procedure and is quick and simple to use. Reports of available studies showed that there is no severe pulpal damage after SDF application. However, it has some drawbacks like black discoloration of the carious teeth and an unpleasant metallic taste. But, low cost of SDF and its simplicity in application suggest that it is an appropriate agent for use in community dental health programme. Thus, SDF appears to meet the criteria of both the WHO Millennium Goals and the US Institute of Medicine’s criteria for 21st century medical care, that is, it is a safe, effective, efficient, and equitable caries preventive agent.