Dental Caries Management in Children Using Silver Diamine Fluoride: A Comprehensive Contemporary Review
Keywords:
Silver diamine fluoride, dental caries, Early childhood caries, remineralization, pediatricAbstract
Dental caries remains a widespread chronic disease in children, posing significant challenges in both clinical and public health domains. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), a topical agent with dual antibacterial and remineralizing properties, has gained recognition as an effective, non-invasive solution for caries arrest in pediatric populations. This review offers a comprehensive evaluation of SDF, detailing its composition, physicochemical properties, mechanisms of action including antimicrobial and anti-enzymatic effects, clinical indications, application protocols, and safety profile. Special attention is given to its utility in children with early childhood caries (ECC), special health care needs, or limited access to conventional dental services. Additionally, the review discusses SDF’s interactions with restorative materials such as glass ionomer cements and resin composites, and summarizes relevant research findings. By synthesizing current evidence, this review underscores the potential of SDF as a frontline agent in pediatric dental caries management within the framework of minimally invasive dentistry.
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