This guideline intends to inform the clinical practices involving the application of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) to enhance dental caries management outcomes in children and adolescents, including those with special health care needs. Silver diamine fluoride in this guideline’s recommendation refers to 38 percent SDF, the only formula available in the United States. These rec- ommended practices are based upon the best available evidence to-date. However, the ultimate decisions regarding disease management and specific treatment modalities are to be made by the dental professional and the patient or his/her repre- sentative, acknowledging individuals’ differences in disease propensity, lifestyle, and environment. The guideline provides practitioners with easy to understand evidence-based recommendations. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's (AAPD) evidence-based guidelines are being updated and will be released in 2018.
The guideline, developed by a workgroup formed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), provides recommendations on using 38 percent silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for dental caries management. It specifically targets children and adolescents, including those with special health care needs.
Based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, the panel made a conditional recommendation regarding the use of SDF to arrest cavitated caries lesions in primary teeth as part of a comprehensive caries management program. The guideline notes that while evidence quality is low, the benefits outweigh possible undesirable effects due to the treatment's low cost and disease burden.
The guideline refers to 38 percent SDF, which is the only formula available in the United States.
The panel made a conditional recommendation based on low-quality evidence.