Silver diamine fluoride for early childhood caries- A boon for dentists during COVID-19 pandemic

Efficacy of SDF in dental caries prevention and arrest

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a clear liquid containing silver, fluoride and ammonia complex that has been identified as a promising therapeutic agent against dental caries in both primary and permanent dentition.^[2], ^[3], ^[4], ^[5], ^[6], ^[7], ^[8], ^[9], ^[10], ^[11], ^[12], ^[13] It combines the antibacterial effects of silver and the remineralizing effects of fluoride, which makes the SDF a good treatment option for managing caries lesions.^[12] In-vitro studies showed significantly less number of S. mutans and L. acidophilus within the lesions treated by local application of SDF, supporting the fact that SDF possessed an anti-microbial activity against cariogenic bacteria.^[14], ^[15]

Further, studies demonstrated the ability of SDF to slow down the demineralization process of dentine by preventing collagen degradation by inhibiting Matrix metalloproteinases and cathepsins.^[15], ^[16], ^[17] Many clinicians working on caries prevention therapies have presented steady findings and emphasized that SDF is surely more potent than the fluoride varnishes in arresting dental lesions with no reported evidence of pulpal damage post application.^[2]

Most of the clinical studies in literature used 38% of SDF solution and it is the recommended strength of SDF to be used to achieve better results.^[13], ^[14], ^[15], ^[16], ^[17], ^[18] The clinical effectiveness of 38% SDF solution in arresting dental caries of primary teeth and preventing and arresting root caries in adults has been consistently supported by all of the systematic reviews.^[19], ^[20], ^[21] As stated by Gao et al. in 2016, the overall proportion of arrested dental caries following SDF treatment was 81% (95% CI, 68% to 89%; P < 0.001).^[20] SDF application on carious primary teeth shows promising results in arresting and preventing of caries when compared with use of fluoride varnish. A prospected controlled clinical trial carried out by chu et al. in 2002, showed that an annual application of 38% SDF was more effective than 3 month application of 5% NaF varnish in arresting dentinal caries of primary teeth. Results of this study agree with observations of many other studies.^[22], ^[23], ^[24]

A randomized controlled study by dos Santos Jr VE et al. compared the efficacy of 30% SDF with of Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) when used as an intermediate restorative technique (IRT) and found that SDF was 1.73 times more effective in arresting caries than IRT.^[25]

Contraindications and considerations for SDF use

SDF had been used for over 80 years with no serious complications.^[18] However, use of SDF is contraindicated in patients with silver allergy, clinical/ radiographic signs, or symptoms of periapical pathology and significant desquamative gingivitis or stomatitis.^[26], ^[27] Black discoloration of the lesions, staining every surface it contacts and temporary metallic taste are the commonly claimed side effects of SDF application. Even though some studies supported use of Potassium Iodide (KI) with SDF to reduce the discoloration, insufficient evidence exists to conclude positive clinical results.^[28] Despite the advantages, use of SDF will be less popular in dental practice due to compromised esthetic. However, literature reports poorer parental acceptance for use of SDF in anterior teeth compared to posterior teeth.^[29], ^[30], ^[31], ^[32] Sultan A et al. (2020) reported that parental acceptance was significantly less for teeth located in esthetic zones such as maxillary incisors and in children below three years of age.^[29] But the willingness of parents for SDF was increased with the level of uncooperativeness of the child.^[29], ^[30], ^[31], ^[32], ^[33] An umbrella review done by Sabbhag et al. on 2020, stated that pre-operative instructions could significantly improve parental acceptance of SDF application.^[32] The average lethal dose of SDF by oral and subcutaneous administration was 520 mg/kg and 380 mg/kg, respectively.  One drop of 38% SDF liquid contains 9.5 mg silver diamine fluoride. One drop of material is sufficient to treat up to five teeth.^[34] The recommended dosage is one drop (25 μL) of 38% SDF liquid per 10 kg of body weight child per treatment visit.^[34]

Frequency of application

Annual and semiannual applications have been studied in clinical trials and six-monthly application was found to be more effective than annual application.^[35], ^[36]

Preparation

Cover the work-surfaces with plastic wraps to avoid stains due to SDF and use plastic bibs for the patient.

Take precautions to minimize unwanted side effects. Use maximum isolation with rubber dam or if is not possible due to poor cooperation, cotton wool rolls and gauze can be utilized. Application of petroleum gel around the lips and vermillion borders will reduce the risk of staining. [[Figure 1]]

Caries removal

Removal of carious tissue is not indicated prior to application of SDF as it does not show added advantage in caries arrest.^[37] However, removal of gross debris from cavities will allow better SDF contact with denatured dentin and removal of infected dentine will sufficiently reduce the bacterial load.^[18]

Application of SDF

SDF solution (38%) should be applied directly over the dried carious lesions using a micro brush. Minimum but adequate amount of the solution is used cautiously to prevent inadvertent gingival discoloration. No more than one drop of 38% SDF solution is recommended in one visit. [[Figure 2]] [[Figure 3]] It is ideally recommended to remove the excess SDF using cotton pellets/ gauze, after leaving one to three minutes in contact.^[34]

Follow-up

Follow up visit is recommended after 2-4 weeks of the first application of SDF to check the efficacy of the procedure done. [[Figure 4]] If the lesions do not show features of an arrested site (Dark brown color, hard texture), reapplication is indicated.^[38]

Restorations after SDF therapy?

SDF therapy is proven to arrest dentin caries and it results a black deposit on the treated site which may cause an esthetic concern of both parents and the child. A tooth-colored restoration can mask the stains caused by SDF- arrested dentine caries and recontour the tooth into functional shape. Placement of GIC restoration on SDF treated, arrested lesions, following the concept of ART improved parental satisfaction significantly.^[39] Previous application of SDF does not show an influence on bonding strength between GIC and the dentine.^[40] SDF is a valuable option of non-surgical caries management in is COVID-19 era.

Dental clinics carry a high risk of cross infection due to the nature of dental treatment and it is critical for the Covid-19 because of the aerosol generating dental treatment procedures. So, routine dental treatments and elective procedures were suspended across the world during this period. This in turn has caused an upturn in the numbers of children suffering from dental caries. Dental professionals around the world are confronting the consequences of disrupted oral health care during the pandemic. There are many reasons for this including lack of access to care, or a personal decision to forgo care due to fear of contracting the infection in the dental office, or lack of focus on home oral care due to altered diet patterns, sleeping patterns and limited affordability or availability of oral hygiene products during the pandemic. Since caries removal is not necessary during treatment with SDF, it accounts under non-aerosol generating dental procedure. Yet, it gives good clinical results in caries arrest and prevention. Application of SDF is a simple procedure that keeps the treatment session short, even with less cooperative pediatric patients.^[24], ^[25], ^[26] Furthermore, guidelines and recommendations on Covid-19 global pandemic induced dental practice modifications pertaining to pediatric dentistry highlighted the importance of using SDF underpinned minimally invasive dental practice to mitigate infection transmission by aerosol generation.