Silver diammine fluoride explained

Tradename:Fagamin, Advantage Arrest
Atc Prefix:None
Legal Us:Rx-only
Legal Us Comment:and 510(k) cleared class II medical device
Cas Number:34445-07-3
Unii:DDU19UEV1Y
Chemspiderid:142121
Synonyms:Diammine Silver Fluoride, Diamine silver fluoride
Iupac Name:Diamminesilver(I) fluoride
Ag:1
F:1
N:2
H:6
Smiles:F[Ag]([NH3])[NH3]
Stdinchi:InChI=1S/Ag.FH.2H3N/h;1H;2*1H3/q+1;;;/p-1

Silver diammine fluoride (SDF), also known as silver diamine fluoride in most of the dental literature, (although this is a chemical misnomer) is a topical medication used to treat and prevent dental caries (tooth decay) and relieve dentinal hypersensitivity.[1] It is a colorless (most products) or blue-tinted (Advantage Arrest, SilverSense SDF), odourless liquid composed of silver, ammonium and fluoride ions at a pH of 10.4 (most products) or 13 (Riva Star).[2] Ammonia compounds reduce the oxidative potential of SDF, increase its stability and helps to maintain a constant concentration over a period of time, rendering it safe for use in the mouth.[3] Silver and fluoride ions possess antimicrobial properties and are used in the remineralization of enamel and dentin on teeth for preventing and arresting dental caries.[4] [5]

SDF is also known as diammine silver fluoride, silver fluoride, and silver ammonium fluoride. It is frequently spelled "silver diamine fluoride" (with one m); however, this is a misnomer, as SDF contains two ammine (NH3) groups, not amine (NH2) groups.[6]

Based on the current, best available evidence, SDF can be used by licensed dental professionals. In the UK, this is classified as 'off-label' [7] use of a topical medicament for arresting caries as it is licensed for treatment of dentine hypersensitivity. It is supported by a robust, extensive evidence base[8] [9] [10] [11] with regard to its efficacy and can be used as long as the following criteria are realised: there is a body of evidence supporting its efficacy; and there is no alternative, licensed medicine.[12]

The product was cleared for sale by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a Class II medical device for the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity,[13] and has been classified as an ‘effective, efficient, equitable and safe caries-preventative agent’ by the Institute of Medicine and the Millennium Goals of the World Health Organization in 2009.

It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[14]

Brand names

Indications and Contraindications of SDF

Indications

SDF use is indicated in the clinical scenarios listed below.

Patients

Teeth

Contraindications

The use of SDF is contraindicated in the following scenarios:

Patients

Teeth

Mode of action

SDF's mode of action is well documented, but remains contested. Rosenblatt et al. summarized how the constituents in SDF each have a role in the arrest of microbial species that cause dental caries. The higher the concentration of fluoride in a compound, the more effective its mechanisms in inhibiting bacterial biofilm formation. Fluorides can bind to bacterial cell walls, inhibiting enzymatic processes associated with sugar uptake and metabolism of carbohydrate, therefore producing a surface more resistant to acid dissolution.[21]

Similarly, the silver in SDF kills cariogenic bacteria by interacting with DNA and cellular proteins. This leads to cessation of cellular metabolism preventing bacterial cell wall synthesis and DNA synthesis, and ATP production. These actions destroy plaque biofilms, and subsequently arrest dental caries.[22]

SDF hardens carious dentin, such that it is twice as hard as healthy dentin[23]

Effect on cariogenic bacteria

Colony Forming Unit counts (CFU) and studies of multispecies carious biofilms were carried aiming to examine the action of SDF on cariogenic bacteria.[2] CFU counts on Streptococci mutans, Actinomyces naeslundii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus sobrinus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus (all of which are bacteria intimately associated with the carious process) were significant lower in both dentin surfaces and demineralized dentin treated with SDF when compared to water application. SDF also inhibits the adherence of S.mutans to tooth surfaces.[2]

Targino et al. (2014) reported that minimum bacterial concentration and minimum inhibitory concentration of SDF for S.mutans were 50.0 ug/mL and 33.3 ug/mL respectively.[24] This shows that SDF as a compound has better bactericidal effects than silver ammonium nitrate and sodium fluoride (commonly found in toothpastes).[25] [26]

Effect on organic content on dentin

The affected layer of carious dentin in teeth can be identified by the presence of intact collagen fibres. Studies have revealed that a larger amount of intact collagen fibres remain on dentine surfaces (perpendicular to the enamel dentine junction) when treated with SDF as compared to water.[2]

SDF inhibits proteolytic activities such as enzymatic degradation of collagen fibres by matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2, 8 and 9. Furthermore, SDF stops the degradation of cysteine cathepsins, which are also responsible for dentine collagen degradation.

Recommended concentration

A systematic review conducted by Contreras et al. in 2017 concluded that 30% and 38% concentrations of SDF were most effective for caries arrest.[27] One of the clinical trials in this systematic review found 38% SDF to be significantly more effective for the prevention of caries in primary teeth, with 80% fewer new lesions in primary teeth, and 65% fewer new lesions in first permanent molars.[28] Yee et al. (2009) compared the effectiveness of 38% against 12% SDF, with or without using a reducing agent for the caries arrest. Over a 24-month period, it was concluded that there was a higher rate of lesion arrest in teeth treated with 38% SDF (with and without the reducing agents) as compared to 12% SDF.[29]

Frequency of application

A randomised clinical trial conducted by Zhi et al. (2012) found that increasing the frequency of SDF application from once to twice per year increased the rate of caries arrest.[30] The American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends a 2-4 week follow-up to assess the arrest of carious lesions treated with SDF.[31] [32] If the lesions do not appear to have arrested (i.e. dark in colour and tactilely hard), it is suggested by them to reapply. Subsequent restoration of the carious lesion may be indicated following the application of SDF to restore aesthetics. If these lesions are not restored following SDF application, the AAPD recommends application biannually, as this has shown an increased caries lesion arrest rate as compared to annual application.[33]

Maximum dose

Average LD50 in mice and rats by oral administration was 520 mg/kg, and by subcutaneous administration was 380 mg/kg. The subcutaneous route is taken here as a worst-case scenario. One drop (32.5 μL) is ample material to treat 5 teeth, and contains 12.35 mg silver diamine fluoride. Assuming the smallest child with caries would be in the range of 10 kg, the dose would be 1.235 mg / kg child. Based on this, UCSF recommended 1 drop per 10 kg of body weight per visit.

The US FDA reviewed the dose limit based on all evidence for the US multi-centered clinical trial sponsored by the NIH and FDA run by UM, NYU, and UIowa, and set a dose limit of 260 μL for any patient 12 – 59 months old at the start of the study. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03649659.

Precautions and adverse effects

The main side effect of SDF is non-medical and is the prominent black staining of carious tooth tissue where the solution is applied.[34]

SDF will stain most things it touches, including skin, mucous membranes, clothing and work surfaces. Chu et al. reported on the first modern clinical trial of SDF that the stain was generally acceptable and "the presence of darkened teeth was mentioned by around 7% of the parents."[35]

Another side effect is an intensely bitter metallic flavor, which subsides in minutes.

No serious adverse reactions (e.g. life-threatening reactions, hospitalization, toxicity or death) have been reported in the scientific literature. Two safety studies have been done in children.[36] [37]

Pharmacokinetic studies in adults found no adverse effects and demonstrated a lack of any increase of Fluoride in the blood. Increases in serum Silver were observed.[38]

Systematic reviews[39] [40] [41] [42] reported adverse reactions following SDF use. These reactions manifested as small, white lesions of the oral mucosa that healed over the course of 48 hours. Furthermore, an umbrella review by Seifo et al. (2020) did not report any serious adverse reactions.

Arresting caries progression

History

Notes and References

  1. Rosenblatt A, Stamford TC, Niederman R . Silver diamine fluoride: a caries "silver-fluoride bullet" . Journal of Dental Research . 88 . 2 . 116–25 . February 2009 . 19278981 . 10.1177/0022034508329406 . 30730306 .
  2. Zhao IS, Gao SS, Hiraishi N, Burrow MF, Duangthip D, Mei ML, Lo EC, Chu CH . 6 . Mechanisms of silver diamine fluoride on arresting caries: a literature review . International Dental Journal . 68 . 2 . 67–76 . April 2018 . 28542863 . 10.1111/idj.12320 . 9378923 . 10722/242975 . review . free .
  3. Subbiah GK, Gopinathan NM . Is Silver Diamine Fluoride Effective in Preventing and Arresting Caries in Elderly Adults? A Systematic Review . Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry . 8 . 3 . 191–199 . 2018 . 29911054 . 5985673 . 10.4103/jispcd.JISPCD_99_18 . free .
  4. Burgess JO, Vaghela PM . Silver Diamine Fluoride: A Successful Anticarious Solution with Limits . Advances in Dental Research . 29 . 1 . 131–134 . February 2018 . 29355424 . 10.1177/0022034517740123 . free .
  5. Horst JA . Silver Fluoride as a Treatment for Dental Caries . Advances in Dental Research . 29 . 1 . 135–140 . February 2018 . 10.1177/0022034517743750 . 29355428 . 6699125 .
  6. Book: Lo EC, Duangthip . Nonrestorative Approaches for Managing Cavitated Dentin Carious Lesions: Silver Fluoride . https://books.google.com/books?id=HDBuDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA143 . Coelho S, Takeshita EM . Pediatric Restorative Dentistry. September 11, 2018. Springer . 143 . 978-3-319-93426-6 .
  7. Web site: Off-label or unlicensed use of medicines: prescribers' responsibilities. GOV.UK. en. 2020-04-09.
  8. Seifo N, Cassie H, Radford JR, Innes NP . Silver diamine fluoride for managing carious lesions: an umbrella review . BMC Oral Health . 19 . 1 . 145 . July 2019 . 31299955 . 6626340 . 10.1186/s12903-019-0830-5 . free .
  9. Trieu A, Mohamed A, Lynch E . Silver diamine fluoride versus sodium fluoride for arresting dentine caries in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis . Scientific Reports . 9 . 1 . 2115 . February 2019 . 30765785 . 6376061 . 10.1038/s41598-019-38569-9 . 2019NatSR...9.2115T .
  10. Chibinski AC, Wambier LM, Feltrin J, Loguercio AD, Wambier DS, Reis A . Silver Diamine Fluoride Has Efficacy in Controlling Caries Progression in Primary Teeth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis . Caries Research . 51 . 5 . 527–541 . 2017 . 28972954 . 10.1159/000478668 . 5129645 .
  11. Gao SS, Zhao IS, Hiraishi N, Duangthip D, Mei ML, Lo EC, Chu CH . Clinical Trials of Silver Diamine Fluoride in Arresting Caries among Children: A Systematic Review . en-US . JDR Clinical and Translational Research . 1 . 3 . 201–210 . October 2016 . 30931743 . 10.1177/2380084416661474 . free . 10722/234467 . free .
  12. Seifo N, Robertson M, MacLean J, Blain K, Grosse S, Milne R, Seeballuck C, Innes N . 6 . The use of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in dental practice . British Dental Journal . 228 . 2 . 75–81 . January 2020 . 31980777 . 10.1038/s41415-020-1203-9 . 210880141 .
  13. Web site: 510(k) Premarket Notification.
  14. Book: ((World Health Organization)) . World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 22nd list (2021) . 2021 . 10665/345533 . World Health Organization . World Health Organization . Geneva . WHO/MHP/HPS/EML/2021.02 . free .
  15. Twetman S, Dhar V . Evidence of Effectiveness of Current Therapies to Prevent and Treat Early Childhood Caries . Pediatric Dentistry . 37 . 3 . 246–53 . 2015 . 26063553 .
  16. Crystal YO, Marghalani AA, Ureles SD, Wright JT, Sulyanto R, Divaris K, Fontana M, Graham L . Use of Silver Diamine Fluoride for Dental Caries Management in Children and Adolescents, Including Those with Special Health Care Needs . Pediatric Dentistry . 39 . 5 . 135–145 . September 2017 . 29070149 .
  17. Web site: Minimally Invasive Treatment for Molar Incisor Hypomineralization. Decisions in Dentistry. 6 November 2018 . en-US. 2020-04-09.
  18. Oliveira BH, Cunha-Cruz J, Rajendra A, Niederman R . Controlling caries in exposed root surfaces with silver diamine fluoride: A systematic review with meta-analysis . Journal of the American Dental Association . 149 . 8 . 671–679.e1 . August 2018 . 29805039 . 6064675 . 10.1016/j.adaj.2018.03.028 .
  19. Mei ML, Lo EC, Chu CH . Clinical Use of Silver Diamine Fluoride in Dental Treatment . Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry . 37 . 2 . 93–8; quiz100 . February 2016 . 26905088 .
  20. Crystal YO, Niederman R . Evidence-Based Dentistry Update on Silver Diamine Fluoride . Dental Clinics of North America . 63 . 1 . 45–68 . January 2019 . 30447792 . 6500430 . 10.1016/j.cden.2018.08.011 .
  21. Savas S, Kucukyılmaz E, Celik EU, Ates M . Effects of different antibacterial agents on enamel in a biofilm caries model . Journal of Oral Science . 57 . 4 . 367–72 . 2015 . 26666861 . 10.2334/josnusd.57.367 . primary . free .
  22. Mei ML, Ito L, Cao Y, Li QL, Chu CH, Lo EC . The inhibitory effects of silver diamine fluorides on cysteine cathepsins . Journal of Dentistry . 42 . 3 . 329–35 . March 2014 . 24316241 . 10.1016/j.jdent.2013.11.018 . primary . free .
  23. Chu CH, Lo EC . Microhardness of dentine in primary teeth after topical fluoride applications . Journal of Dentistry . 36 . 6 . 387–91 . June 2008 . 18378377 . 10.1016/j.jdent.2008.02.013 . 10722/67101 . primary . free .
  24. Targino AG, Flores MA, dos Santos Junior VE, de Godoy Bené Bezerra F, de Luna Freire H, Galembeck A, Rosenblatt A . An innovative approach to treating dental decay in children. A new anti-caries agent . Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine . 25 . 8 . 2041–7 . August 2014 . 24818873 . 10.1007/s10856-014-5221-5 . 12691236 . primary .
  25. Suzuki T, Tsutsumi N, Sobue S, Suginaka H . 1976. Effect of diammine silver fluoride on plaque formation by Streptococcus mutans. Japanese Journal of Oral Biology. 18. 3. 268–278. 10.2330/joralbiosci1965.18.268. primary. free .
  26. Li YJ . [Effect of a silver ammonia fluoride solution on the prevention and inhibition of caries] . Zhonghua Kou Qiang Ke Za Zhi [Chinese Journal of Stomatology] . 19 . 2 . 97–100 . June 1984 . 6596183 .
  27. Contreras V, Toro MJ, Elías-Boneta AR, Encarnación-Burgos A . Effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride in caries prevention and arrest: a systematic literature review . General Dentistry . 65 . 3 . 22–29 . 2017 . 28475081 . 5535266 . secondary .
  28. Llodra JC, Rodriguez A, Ferrer B, Menardia V, Ramos T, Morato M . Efficacy of silver diamine fluoride for caries reduction in primary teeth and first permanent molars of schoolchildren: 36-month clinical trial . Journal of Dental Research . 84 . 8 . 721–4 . August 2005 . 16040729 . 10.1177/154405910508400807 . 26829520 . primary .
  29. Yee R, Holmgren C, Mulder J, Lama D, Walker D, van Palenstein Helderman W . Efficacy of silver diamine fluoride for Arresting Caries Treatment . Journal of Dental Research . 88 . 7 . 644–7 . July 2009 . 19641152 . 10.1177/0022034509338671 . 9645591 . primary .
  30. Zhi QH, Lo EC, Lin HC . Randomized clinical trial on effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride and glass ionomer in arresting dentine caries in preschool children . Journal of Dentistry . 40 . 11 . 962–7 . November 2012 . 22892463 . 10.1016/j.jdent.2012.08.002 . 10722/169164 . primary . free .
  31. Gao SS, Zhang S, Mei ML, Lo EC, Chu CH . Caries remineralisation and arresting effect in children by professionally applied fluoride treatment - a systematic review . BMC Oral Health . 16 . 1 . 12 . February 2016 . 26831727 . 10.1186/s12903-016-0171-6 . 4736084 . secondary . free .
  32. Duangthip D, Jiang M, Chu CH, Lo EC . Restorative approaches to treat dentin caries in preschool children: systematic review . European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry . 17 . 2 . 113–21 . June 2016 . 27377109 . secondary .
  33. Web site: Chairside Guide: Silver Diamine Fluoride in the Management of Dental Caries Lesions* . 2019–2020. American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry.
  34. Patel J, Anthonappa RP, King NM . Evaluation of the staining potential of silver diamine fluoride: in vitro . International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry . 28 . 5 . 514–522 . July 2018 . 29974546 . 10.1111/ipd.12401. 49684575 .
  35. Chu CH, Lo EC, Lin HC . Effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride and sodium fluoride varnish in arresting dentin caries in Chinese pre-school children . Journal of Dental Research . 81 . 11 . 767–70 . November 2002 . 12407092 . 10.1177/0810767 . 10722/53198 . 208257502 . free .
  36. Milgrom P, Horst JA, Ludwig S, Rothen M, Chaffee BW, Lyalina S, Pollard KS, DeRisi JL, Mancl L . 6 . Topical silver diamine fluoride for dental caries arrest in preschool children: A randomized controlled trial and microbiological analysis of caries associated microbes and resistance gene expression . Journal of Dentistry . 68 . 72–78 . January 2018 . 28866468 . 5748247 . 10.1016/j.jdent.2017.08.015 .
  37. Duangthip D, Fung MH, Wong MC, Chu CH, Lo EC . Adverse Effects of Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment among Preschool Children . Journal of Dental Research . 97 . 4 . 395–401 . April 2018 . 29237131 . 10.1177/0022034517746678 . 10722/253468 . 4020031 . free .
  38. Lin YS, Rothen ML, Milgrom P . Pharmacokinetics of Iodine and Fluoride following Application of an Anticaries Varnish in Adults . JDR Clinical and Translational Research . 3 . 3 . 238–245 . July 2018 . 30938600 . 6728447 . 10.1177/2380084418771930 .
  39. Duangthip D, Jiang M, Chu CH, Lo EC . Non-surgical treatment of dentin caries in preschool children--systematic review . BMC Oral Health . 15 . 1 . 44 . April 2015 . 25888484 . 4403709 . 10.1186/s12903-015-0033-7 . free .
  40. Horst JA, Ellenikiotis H, Milgrom PL . UCSF Protocol for Caries Arrest Using Silver Diamine Fluoride: Rationale, Indications and Consent . Journal of the California Dental Association . 44 . 1 . 16–28 . January 2016 . 10.1080/19424396.2016.12220962 . 26897901 . 4778976 .
  41. Hendre AD, Taylor GW, Chávez EM, Hyde S . A systematic review of silver diamine fluoride: Effectiveness and application in older adults . Gerodontology . 34 . 4 . 411–419 . December 2017 . 28812312 . 10.1111/ger.12294 . 23063651 .
  42. Oliveira BH, Rajendra A, Veitz-Keenan A, Niederman R . The Effect of Silver Diamine Fluoride in Preventing Caries in the Primary Dentition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis . Caries Research . 53 . 1 . 24–32 . 2019 . 29874642 . 6292783 . 10.1159/000488686 .
  43. Horst JA, Heima M . Prevention of Dental Caries by Silver Diamine Fluoride . Compend Contin Educ Dent . 40 . 3 . 158–163 . 2019 . 30829497.
  44. Howe PR . A method of sterilizing and at the same time impregnating with a metal affected dentinal tissue . Dental Cosmos . 1917 . 59 . 891–904.
  45. Yamaga R, Nishino M, Yoshida S, Yokomizo I . Diammine Silver Fluoride and Its Clinical Application . J Osaka Univ Dent Sch . 1972 . 12 . 1–20 . 4514730 .