Effectiveness and Parental Perception of Silver Diamine Fluoride toward Treatment of Dental Caries in Primary Teeth

Abstract

Ab s t r ac t Aim: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is taken into account as one among the effective measures for caries arrest and prevention in youngsters, due to the fact it proffers marginally invasive but cost-effective alternative to time-commemorated restorative caries control. The study was carried out to appraise the effectiveness of SDF (38%) in arresting active carious lesions and to gauge parental perception toward the treatment of cavities with SDF in the primary teeth. Materials and methods: A total of 36 children in the age range 2–10 years, having active caries lésions, based on ICDAS criteria, in primary teeth were selected following the baseline examination. After four dropouts and refusal by two patients, 30 patients were treated with 1–2 topical applications of SDF (38%). Lesions were reassessed at 1 week and 3 months taking into account to assess the color and amend inconsistency (soft/hard). Parents have been mentioned regarding features of pain or infection and have been surveyed with regard to subjective feelings regarding SDF. Results: Quantitative variables have been subjected to the Chi-square test. All the 30 participants within the present study at baseline were reported to possess active caries lesion. About 80% of carious lesions were found to be arrested at first recall and 93.3% after 3 months. No occurrence of pain or infection was documented. Parental perception for simple application, taste, and esthetics became statistically significant. Conclusion: Study outcomes endorse SDF to be effective in preventing active carious lesions in deciduous dentition in youngsters, and treatment outcomes were affirmative by the parents. Clinical significance: SDF has been a possible management option for a noninvasive remedy to inhibit active carious lesions in deciduous dentition without causing any psychological trauma to children.