Efficacy of Silver Diamine Fluoride vs. Sodium Fluoride in Arresting Root Caries Among the Olders in Care Homes: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Gerodontology

Abstract

Background: Root caries is a major dental public health concern, particularly among the geriatric population residing in old age homes. Preventive and noninvasive strategies, such as topical fluorides, have shown promise in managing root caries. This study compares the effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish in preventing and arresting root caries in this population. Methods: A parallel group randomised clinical trial was conducted among elders (60–89 years) in old-age homes of Udupi District, India. Participants with at least one exposed root surface caries lesion were recruited and randomly allocated to either the SDF group or the NaF group. Caries activity status (active vs. arrested) was assessed at baseline, 1 month and 3 month follow-ups using explorer probing and ICDAS codes, with the primary outcome being arrest or progression of root caries lesions. Within-group changes were evaluated using McNemar's test, and between-group differences by Chi-square test, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: A total of 57 participants were included (SDF group: 29; NaF group: 28). At 1 month follow-up, 96.6% of the SDF group showed arrested root caries, but only 50% in the NaF group showed arrested root caries (p < 0.001). At 3 months, 89.7% of the SDF group remained arrested, whereas only 21.63% of the NaF group maintained arrested caries (p < 0.001). Conclusions: SDF may serve as a simple and practical treatment option for managing root caries, particularly in institutional care settings. Strengthening such preventive strategies can help address the growing burden of root caries in ageing populations and improve their overall quality of life.

DOI

10.1111/ger.70025

Publication Date

1-1-2025

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