Efficacy of Silver Diamine Fluoride on Streptococcus mutans Count Present in Saliva.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the efficacy and longevity of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) to inhibit the dental caries initiator bacteria; Streptococcus mutans count in saliva. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty children having class I and II dental caries with no prior restorations were included in the study. Unstipulated saliva samples were collected before and immediately after application of SDF, 1, 3, and 6 months after application, and intergroup comparison was done. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Silver diamine fluoride was applied on the cavitated surfaces with microbrush tip under isolation, then wait for 4 minutes and washed away all surfaces with water spray. Saliva was collected in a sterile saliva collection tube and sent for microbiological culture assessment. CFU/mL of S. mutans count was done with the Digital colony counter. For statistical analysis, paired T-test was performed. RESULTS: Silver diamine fluoride showed a significant drop in CFU/mL of S. mutans count at 1 month then 3 and 6 months accordingly. CONCLUSION: Silver diamine fluoride can be used to prevent and arrest dental caries and the best result can be achieved by quarterly application. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Chakraborty S, Gupta N, Gambhir N, et al. Efficacy of Silver Diamine Fluoride on Streptococcus mutans Count Present in Saliva. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(5):700-704.