Silver diammine fluoride

Silver diammine fluoride (SDF) is a topical medicament used to treat and prevent dental caries and relieve dentinal hypersensitivity.

Composition

Silver diammine fluoride is composed of silver, ammonia, and fluoride. The silver acts as an anti-microbial agent, the fluoride promotes the remineralization of the tooth, and the ammonia stabilizes the solution.

Uses

Silver diammine fluoride has several uses in dentistry. It is primarily used to arrest caries in children and adults. It can also be used to treat dentinal hypersensitivity.

Mechanism of action

The silver component of SDF acts as an anti-microbial agent that kills bacteria and prevents the formation of new biofilm. The fluoride component promotes the remineralization of the tooth, which helps to strengthen the tooth and prevent further decay. The ammonia component stabilizes the solution and facilitates the release of fluoride ions.

Side effects

The most common side effect of silver diammine fluoride is the black staining of the treated areas. Other side effects may include a metallic taste, irritation of the oral mucosa, and in rare cases, allergic reactions.

History

Silver diammine fluoride was first developed in Japan in the 1960s and has been widely used in many countries for caries management, especially in children and elderly patients.

See also

• Dental caries
• Dentinal hypersensitivity
• Fluoride therapy

Silver diammine fluoride Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia