160 - Effect of Silver Diammine Fluoride on Primary Teeth Proximal Lesions

Friday, May 22, 2026

3:00 PM - 3:15 PM PST

Has Audio

Presenting Author(s)

Kaiko Perkins, DMD (he/him/his)

Resident
University of Florida-Naples
University Of Florida
Naples, Florida, United States

Co-Author(s)

MD

Maria E. Davila de Gonzalez, DDS, MPH, DrPH

Community Outreach Program-Clinical Coordinator I
University of Florida- Naples
University of Florida, College of Dentistry. Dept. of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science.
Naples, Florida, United States
Marcio Guelmann, Dr, DDS (he/him/his)

Department manager
University of Florida
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida, United States

Research Mentor(s)

KM

Kelly Magher, DMD

Clinical Attending Faculty
University of Florida Pediatric Dentistry
Naples, Florida, United States

Program Director(s)

MC

Matthew Cooke, DDS,MD,MPH

Program Director
University of Florida-Naples
Naples, Florida, United States

Abstract:

Purpose: Early childhood caries remains a prevalent disease in young children, and silver diammine fluoride (SDF) offers a minimally invasive approach to treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of SDF application via impregnated floss in preventing progression of interproximal enamel-only carious lesions into dentin on primary molars.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of 42 pediatric patients treated at the Naples Children’s Foundation Pediatric Dental Center between January 1, 2022, and April 1, 2024. Inclusion criteria included teeth with at least 1 interproximal lesion limited to enamel on a primary molar in contact with an adjacent tooth. Preoperative and follow-up bitewing radiographs obtained at recall intervals of at least 6 months were independently reviewed by 2 calibrated investigators. Assessment disagreement was resolved through discussion between the 2 investigators until consensus was achieved. Primary outcome measure was radiographic evidence of lesion arrest.

Results: Of the 75 interproximal lesions treated, 62 demonstrated arrest at the 6-month follow-up (83%).

Conclusions: Our findings suggested that SDF applied via impregnated floss to primary molar interproximal contacts can effectively prevent enamel only lesions progression into dentin. Further studies with larger samples and longer follow-up are needed to confirm long-term efficacy of this therapy.

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