Awareness Regarding the Use of Silver Diamine Fluoride in Dentistry - A Survey

Abstract

Dental caries is a complex progression due to dietary sugars, bacterial metabolism involving demineralization, and organic degradation. Caries are more prevalent among young children which are mostly untreated due to dental anxiety, behavioural changes, and mainly due to expensive treatment. So innovative approaches are needed to treat caries, especially in children. Arresting caries without restoration is possible by silver diamine fluoride (SDF) which is inexpensive topical medication. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is used to treat caries and also prevents future caries development. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is also used to treat sensitivity. Before silver diamine fluoride (SDF) silver nitrate and silver varnish were used to treat dental caries. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) consists of silver, fluoride, ammonia, and water. Silver acts as an antimicrobial agent, fluoride as remineralization, and ammonia stabilizes high concentration. The study setting was an online survey. The number of participants involved was 129. A pre-tested questionnaire was circulated. The data was collected and analyzed using SPSS software. 41.9% of the population participated have heard of silver diamine fluoride (SDF), but 34% of the population are not aware of what it is used to treat. 37.2% of the population is also not aware of the method of application. From the studies, the participants are not aware of silver diamine fluoride (SDF), its uses, and its effectiveness. Oral education should be conducted to create awareness among people.