SDF With or Without Fluoride Varnish for Caries Arrest in Primary Teeth of Young Children

Application of 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) to all active carious lesions at baseline and every 6 months (months 0, 6, 12, and 18, 24). In addition, a 5% sodium fluoride varnish (NaF) is applied to all teeth at 3-month intervals (months 3, 9, 15, 21). Applications are performed by a dentist using standard microbrush or applicator techniques, ensuring lesions coverage for SDF and full dentition coverage for NaF varnish. This alternating protocol evaluates whether combining periodic SDF with regular fluoride varnish enhances caries arrest in primary teeth compared to semiannual SDF alone.

Application of 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) to all active carious lesions at baseline and every 6 months (months 0, 6, 12, and 18, 24). Applications are performed by a dentist using a microbrush to directly cover the lesion surface until fully saturated. No additional fluoride varnish is provided in this arm. The protocol evaluates the effectiveness of semiannual SDF application alone for arresting active caries in primary teeth of young, uncooperative pediatric patients.