Clinical effectiveness and parental acceptance of silver diamine fluoride in preschool children: a non-randomized trial

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) presents a promising approach in pediatric dentistry, simplifying procedures by eliminating the need for sharp instruments or anesthesia. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of 38% SDF application in arresting active caries lesions in preschool children and to assess parental acceptance of the treatment. This non-randomized, prospective, single-arm clinical study included 48 children, presenting with a total of 158 active caries lesions. The lesions were treated with 38% SDF, and their characteristics, including changes in dentin color and lesion texture, were evaluated at baseline and at a 6-month follow-up visit. The rate of lesion non-progression post-SDF application was calculated. Additionally, parents completed an oral health behavior form and the Parental Perceptions of Silver Diamine Fluoride Dental Color Changes Questionnaire to assess acceptance. The study observed a high rate of caries arrest in multi-surface teeth following SDF application. There was a statistically significant improvement in parental acceptance of SDF treatment. However, no significant interaction was observed between the treatment and either child- or parent-related variables regarding parental acceptability. The application of 38% SDF effectively arrested caries lesions in preschool children, with an observed increase in parental acceptance pre- and post-treatment.