Salivary retention of silver diamine fluoride.

The topically applied fluorides are efficacious in both prevention against caries attack and inhibition of virulent bacteria. The purpose of this clinical trial was to assess the fluoride concentration in saliva before and after 38% SDF, 5% NaF and 1.23% ApF gel application on enamel and duration of its availability at different time intervals. The present randomized clinical trial was conducted among 60 healthy children aged between 6-12 years where at baseline the participants were instructed to spit for 2 min in sterile containers and the first saliva sample (S1) was taken. The participants were then randomly allocated into 3 different groups in which 38% Silver diamine fluoride, 5% Sodium fluoride and 1.23% ApF gel were applied respectively. The second saliva sample (S2) was collected after 5 min and patients were called after 1 hour for third saliva sample collection. The fluoride concentration was measured in the salivary samples. ANOVA test was used for evaluation and chi square t test was conducted for comparison of 3 groups. The fluoride concentration is comparatively slightly higher for the group receiving SDF than NaF and ApF at baseline, 5 min and 1 hour time interval but is not statistically significant. The mean scores of Fluoride concentration of the three groups were statistically significant at 5 min (F=63.556, p<0.0005) and 1 hour time interval (F=17.577, p<0.0005). Slightly increased salivary fluoride retention was observed post SDF application at 5min and 1 hour time interval when compared to Na F and ApF gel application. The present trial also concluded that topical fluoride application increases fluoride bioavailability in saliva thereby increasing tooth remineralization.