International Association of Dental Research and Silver Diamine Fluoride
This year's IADR Annual Session contained numerous studies on Silver Diamine Fluoride and included a dedicated session for chemistry and its use worldwide. These topics included everything from the relief of sensitivity, prevention, arrest of tooth decay, and new areas such as the antimicrobial and anti-plaque activity of the materials.
The posters are not yet posted for non-attendees but check the IADR Annual Session site for updates regularly. You can access the meeting for members [HERE], and the archives are [HERE].
Silver Diamine Fluoride Added to Physicians Reference Book
Up to Date is a major online reference used widely by physicians and others. The dental chapters were updated in February 2021 to include Silver Diamine Fluoride.
Silver Diamine Fluoride is now included in a definitive online medical textbook and is also included in Burns' "Pediatric Primary Care," the leading textbook used by nurse practitioners. This book can be accessed [HERE] with login or purchase.
World Health Organization (WHO) Recognizes Dental Essential Medicines
For the first time, the WHO has added dental caries medications to its list of Essential Medications. Section 30 of the recently released document defines Fluoride toothpaste, Silver Diamine Fluoride, and Glass Ionomers as Essential Medications.
This designation is a massive step for dentistry and the fight for medical treatment of caries. It will likely lead to policy changes in numerous countries and coverage of these products under various payment systems. You can see the entire publication [HERE].
CareQuest Releases Information and Guide for Silver Diamine Fluoride
CareQuest, a recently renamed part of DentaQuest, released an informative document highlighting the effectiveness and patient/provider acceptance of Silver Diamine Fluoride. It shows that Silver Diamine Fluoride is effective when used and that patients overwhelmingly choose it as their option for treatment.
You can see the document [HERE], and the overall Silver Diamine Fluoride information blog page from them [HERE].
Shortly after this release, CareQuest posted a blog discussingFour Reasons More Providers Should Consider Using SDF. This short read is an excellent synopsis of the top reasons why Silver Diamine Fluoride is a good choice for dental offices, from a patient and a practice perspective.
Recent Published Data on Silver Diamine Fluoride and its Effect on Gingivitis
Many clinicians have commented to us about seeing an improvement in gingival health near SDF application sites. At first, no data corroborated this phenomenon, but now we are beginning to see supporting literature for this effect.
Two articles have recently been published highlighting the antimicrobial effects and links to reduction in gingivitis.
Dr. Ram's paper looked at bacterial effects in sampled humans [HERE].
Dr. Lim reported a case study in a periodontally [HERE].
There are also other articles on the topic. Schedule a staff meeting with us to learn more on the subject.
SDI Launches Riva Star Aqua
SDI recently launched Riva Star Aqua in many countries around the globe. The product contains two bottles, the first containing Silver Fluoride without ammonia (the Diamine component), and the second bottle containing Potassium Iodide.
Two articles have recently been published highlighting the antimicrobial effects and links to reduction in gingivitis. While there is little data on the product, the first study (although limited) shows that the Silver Fluoride component works similar to Silver Diamine Fluoride but adding the second step of Potassium Iodide lessens the effect. The study can be seen [HERE].
IMPORTANT NOTE: There remain only two manufactures of FDA-cleared Silver Diamine Fluoride products in the USA. Brands not manufactured by Elevate Oral Care or SDI, inc. are illegally imported and or sold in the USA.
More Data Supporting Silver Diamine Fluoride Use in Prevention
Drs. Chu, Lo, Lin, and team published a randomized clinical trial of 502 patients in The Journal of Dental Research this year. The article details that the annual application of Silver Diamine Fluoride in pits and fissures prevents the formation of lesions as well as the semi-annual application of NaF Varnish, and placement of pit and fissure sealants. You can find the whole article [HERE].
Application Instructions for Use
Dr. Doug Young and others have teamed up to provide accurate instructions for applying Silver Diamine Fluoride. As the articles states, the package instructions from manufactures are listed for treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity. These new package instructions provide thorough instructions on how to apply the material for other uses.
You can view the PubMed article [HERE], and the complete publication will be available soon.
Caring and Able Feature Silver Diamine Fluoride
Dr. Alyssa Kauffman has devoted her career to providing care to the aging population and those who otherwise are homebound and unable to access dental care.
In her new website, a resource guide to those who provide care to this group of patients, she's highlighted Silver Diamine Fluoride as one of the tools she uses frequently. Visit and share the site [HERE].