Nano-silver Fluoride at Higher Concentration for Caries Arrest in Primary Molars: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim and objective: To compare the arresting caries effectiveness of two different silver nanoparticle (AgNP) concentrations of nano-silver fluoride (NSF), namely 400 and 600 ppm. The hypothesis is that in posterior primary teeth with occlusal and approximal active dentin carious lesions, NSF 600's effectiveness will be higher than that of the NSF 400 solution over a 6-month follow-up period.

Materials and methods: This was a double-blind randomized clinical trial (RCT) conducted in the city of Recife, Brazil. A total of 337 children aged 5-7 years who attended the University of Pernambuco Dental School's clinics were examined. A single-blinded investigator conducted the examinations and treatment of the children. After baseline examination and recording of the dmft index, children were allocated to one of two study groups (NSF 600-intervention and NSF 400-positive control). In both groups, each tooth received two drops of NSF and treatments were performed only once in 6 months. The follow-up examinations were visual and tactile, performed in 30, 90, and 180 days to determine the activity of caries. The carious lesions that were not arrested in 30 days were recorded and referred for restorative treatment.

Results: The NSF 600 showed higher rate of success in arresting caries (72.7%, p = 0.025) compared with NSF 400 (56.5%).

Conclusion: The higher rate of success of NSF 600 can be explained by the higher concentration of AgNPs.

Clinical significance: Nano-silver fluoride has emerged as an excellent alternative to silver diamine fluoride (SDF), as it adds a high antibacterial effect to better esthetic results. Treatment is simple, non-invasive, and incurs low cost. It is ideal for use in community-based programs to increase the access to dental care without staining teeth black like other silver products.

How to cite this article: Arnaud M, Junior PCM, Lima MGS, et al. Nano-silver Fluoride at Higher Concentration for Caries Arrest in Primary Molars: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(2):207-211.