Silver Diamine Fluoride: A Review and Current Applications

Although there has been a decrease in the prevalence and the severity of dental caries in children over the past few decades, 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 for the prevention and treatment of various infections. Although silver diamine fl uoride (SDF) had been used to arrest dental caries during 1970s in Japan, it was not exposed much to other parts of the world. Now in many countries a 38% (44,800 ppm fl uoride) SDF solution is commonly used to arrest caries and to reduce hypersensitivity in primary and permanent teeth. Application of SDF to arrest dental caries is a non-invasive procedure that is quick and simple to use. Reports of available studies found no severe pulpal damage after SDF application. However, it has drawbacks like black discoloration of the carious teeth and an unpleasant metallic taste. But, the low cost of SDF and its simplicity in application suggest that SDF is an appropriate therapeutic agent for use in community dental health projects. Thus, the availability of a safe, effective, effi cient, and equitable caries preventive agent like 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.