Silver diammine fluoride

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

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

Composition[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

Silver diammine fluoride Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD