Role of Silver Diamine Fluoride in the Prevention and Arrest of Dental Caries in Primary Teeth

Abstract

Dental caries in primary teeth is a major public health concern, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Conventional restorative treatment is often limited by cost and cooperation, whereas silver diamine fluoride provides a simple, non-invasive, and cost-effective method to prevent and arrest caries. To evaluate the role of silver diamine fluoride in the prevention and arrest of dental caries in primary teeth among pediatric patients, this prospective cohort study was conducted at the Department of Paediatric Dentistry (Dental Unit) Gonoshasthaya Samaj Vittik Medical College, Savar, Bangladesh, from January 2024 to December 2024. A total of 65 children with carious primary teeth were enrolled via purposive sampling. Baseline examinations were followed by topical 38% silver diamine fluoride application. Participants were monitored at scheduled intervals to assess lesion arrest, progression, and new caries, with data analyzed using SPSS 23.0. A total of 65 children with carious primary teeth were evaluated. Following silver diamine fluoride application, 78.5% of treated lesions showed clinical arrest. Posterior teeth demonstrated slightly higher arrest rates than anterior teeth. Shallow and moderate lesions responded significantly better than deep lesions (p=0.021). The incidence of new carious lesions significantly decreased during follow-up (p=0.014), with no serious adverse effects observed. Silver diamine fluoride effectively arrests active caries and prevents new lesions in primary teeth. Its safety, simplicity, and low cost make it a practical intervention for pediatric oral health, especially in resource-limited settings.  

CBMJ 2026 July: Vol. 15 No. 02 P:343-348