Abstract

Purpose: There has been a renewed interest in the use of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in arresting caries. However, the high fluoride concentration has raised concerns when used in young children. Therefore, this study investigated the fluoride leachate profiles of SDF, 5% sodium fluoride varnish (NaF), SDF with Potassium Iodide (SDF+KI), and fluoridated toothpaste (FTP).

Method: Sixty enamel specimens were randomly grouped to receive topical application of NaF, SDF, SDF+KI or FTP. Samples from each group were immersed into either neutral, basic or acidic artificial saliva solutions. Cumulative fluoride release and fluoride leachate profiles were measured at 24, 48, 96, and 168 hours post-application using a fluoride ion selective electrode. The data was analysed using oneway ANOVA and Tukey tests.

Result: (i) Specimens in the NaF group exhibited a significantly higher fluoride leachate compared to SDF, SDF+KI and FTP groups (p<0.01), (ii) fluoride leachate profiles varied among the groups depending on the pH of the artificial saliva, iii) SDF showed a higher cumulative fluoride release compared to NaF (iv) KI application resulted in a lower measurable fluoride.

Conclusion: NaF exhibits a more sustained fluoride leachate profile compared with SDF. The application of KI following SDF appears to reduce the total measurable soluble fluoride.

Keywords: Fluoride; Silver diamine fluoride; Concentration; Leachate