Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has been shown to be a successful treatment for arresting caries. A study published in the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry characterized the effects of SDF on dentine caries induced by Streptococcus mu­tans and Actinomyces naeslundii. The study in­volved 32 artificially demineralized hu­man dentine blocks, of which 16 were inoculated with S mutans and 16 with A naeslundii. Either SDF or water was applied to 8 blocks in each group. Using scanning electron microscopy, colony forming units, and confocal mi­cro­scopy, biofilm morphology, microbial kinetics, and viability were evaluated. The cross section of the dentine carious lesions was assessed by microhardness testing, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive x-ray spectro­scopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The study found that biofilm counts were reduced in SDF groups compared to the water control groups (P < .01). Surfaces of carious lesions were harder after SDF application than after water application (P < .05), and lesions showed a significantly reduced level of matrix to phosphate after SDF treatment (P < .05). The study showed that SDF possesses an antimicrobial activity against cariogenic biofilm of S mutans or A naeslundii formed on dentine surfaces. SDF slowed down demineralization of dentine. This dual activity could be the reason behind clinical success of SDF.

---

(Source: International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, doi: 10.1111/j.1365-263X.2011.01149.x, published online June 27, 2011)

---

Hide comment form

Name

Email

Subject

 

 

Comment 1000 Characters left

  I agree to the terms and conditions

Antispam protection Case sensitive

 

 Send Reset