Historical Background and Clinical Implications of Silver Diamine Fluoride in Dentistry: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Dental caries is a chronic, irreversible disease affecting preschool children worldwide. As the frequency
of dental caries has steadily declined over the past few years, children from low socioeconomic backgrounds still
have higher rates of dental caries and still have a higher prevalence in developing countries. Though the role of
fluoride in dental caries prevention has been scientifically proven, the antimicrobial effect of silver compounds to
treat various infections has been postulated. However, 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) solution is currently used to
arrest dental caries and as an antihypersensitivity agent. The SDF solution is available in dark, amber-colored bottles
and is simple, noninvasive, and easy to use by trained dentists or specialists. Although it has the disadvantage of
causing black discoloration and an unpleasant metallic taste after application, studies in the literature show that it
can help prevent dental caries, hypersensitivity, root caries, and remineralization. This article explains in depth the
SDF: its historical background, clinical application, and efficacy in different fields of dentistry.