A multi-site service evaluation of silver diamine fluoride use for children

Abstract

Introduction The use of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is relatively new to the UK. It is unknown how it is being used and for what indications in UK paediatric dental services.Aim To: 1) establish how SDF is being used across different paediatric dental settings in the UK; and 2) consider parental and patient views on the treatment experience and side effect of discolouration.Method A multi-site service evaluation was carried out across six paediatric dentistry units covering hospital and community services. Data were collected prospectively from 17/02/2020 to 02/03/2022. Simple descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data.Results Data were collected for 54 patients. The included patients had an age range of 2-13 years, with a mean of 4.9 years. The reason SDF was chosen was reported as: to avoid general anaesthetic (n = 25); to avoid extractions (n = 8); stabilisation (n = 25); acclimatisation (n = 24); and insufficient cooperation for other treatment (n = 17). In total, 42 cases had SDF applied to the primary dentition. This was in the anterior dentition for 18 patients and the posterior dentition for 15, with nine patients having SDF applied both anteriorly and posteriorly. The majority of children and parents were accepting of the technique and immediate aesthetic outcome.Conclusion In the services involved in this multi-site service evaluation, SDF is used for young patients in the primary dentition for the purpose of caries arrest. The technique was viewed positively by the majority of parents and children.

Parental satisfaction and acceptance of silver diamine fluoride treatment for molar incisor hypomineralisation in pediatric dentistry: a cross-sectional study

“…SDF exerts its therapeutic effects through a multifaceted mechanism of action, making it a potent tool in the management of dental caries, particularly in cases like MIH 11 , 12 .…”

“…SDF's unique properties make it a promising tool in the fight against dental caries, particularly in cases involving MIH-affected molars 11 , 12 . Its non-invasive nature and relative ease of application offer a gentle alternative to more invasive treatments, potentially alleviating the discomfort and anxiety often associated with dental procedures in young patients 10 , 19 .…”

Parental acceptance of Silver Diamine Fluoride in two lower-middle-income countries: Iran and Tajikistan

“…This document suggested the use of SDF in “non-specialized settings in alignment with WHO guidance on oral health interventions” [ 14 ]. The application of SDF, however, has yet to be adopted widely in dental education as well as national regulations [ 15 , 16 ]. The fact that the SDF leaves black stains on teeth and its impact on parental perception seems to deter the wider application of SDF [ 17 ].…”