SDF application and root caries in fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the effectiveness of topical application of silver diammine fluoride (SDF) solution on preventing and arresting root caries in elders living in fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas. Method: This study was conducted in 2 sites, one with water fluoridation (Hong Kong) and one in low fluoride area (Guangzhou). Elders living in community, aged over 55 years with good general health, and having at least 5 teeth with exposed root surfaces were recruited. The recruited subjects were randomly allocated into 2 groups to receive interventions as follows: Gp1 – oral hygiene instruction (OHI) only; Gp2 – OHI and annual applications of SDF solution. Fluoridated toothpaste (1000 ppm) was provided to all subjects. The subjects were clinically examined by calibrated examiners at baseline and thereafter every 6 months to assess their root surface caries status.

Results: At baseline, 260 elders were recruited in Hong Kong and 273 elders in Guangzhou. For the first 170 elders recruited in Hong Kong, their mean age was 69.8 years (range 55-82) and they had 5360 exposed root surfaces at baseline. After 12-month, 152 (89.4%) of the elders were examined. The 12-month incidences of root surface caries at the surface level were 0.6% and 0.3% in Gp1 and Gp2, respectively (p=0.065). Multi-level logistic regression analysis found that root surfaces in close proximity (within 3mm) to a denture had a higher chance of developing root caries (p<0.05). The mean numbers of root surface with arrested lesion were 0.05 and 0.25 in Gp1 and Gp2, respectively (P<0.05).

Conclusions: Topical applications of SDF solution can arrest root caries after 12-month. Close proximity to a denture poses a significant risk for root surface caries development. The current clinical trial is ongoing and further results will be reported later.

(Supported by IADR/Colgate Community-based Research Award for caries prevention)

This abstract is based on research that was funded entirely or partially by an outside source: IADR/Colgate Community-based Research Award for caries prevention