Efficacy of silver diamine fluoride as a topical fluoride agent compared to fluoride varnish and acidulated phosphate fluoride gel: An in vivo study

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is already proven as an antibacterial agent in vitro. The present study was formulated to compare the efficacy of SDF as a topical fluoride agent in vivo with Fluoride Varnish and Acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) Gel. A total of 123 children comprised of 82 boys and 41 girls were included in the study for a period of 18 months. Children were divided into three different groups - Group 1: SDF; Group 2: Fluoride Varnish; Group 3: APF Gel. All Subjects were evaluated through decayed, missing, and filled surface (dmfs) + DMFS index at 6 th , 12 th and 18 th months as well as fluoride content in enamel at 6 th month of follow-up. Significant increase in fluoride content of enamel was found in Group 1 when compared with Group 2 and 3, whereas no significant difference was found between Group 2 and 3. Reduction in dental caries found in all groups but inter group comparison shows no significant difference. In vivo application of SDF on enamel significantly increases fluoride content in enamel as compared to Fluoride Varnish and APF Gel and can be used effectively as topical fluoride agent.