Revisiting Fluoride in the Twenty-First Century: Safety and Efficacy Considerations.

Over 100 years of scientific literature is available which describes the long relationship between dentistry and the many possible applications of fluoride anion (F) as successful therapeutic strategies. To date, systemic introduction of fluoride water, milk and salt fluoridation, and fluoride-containing tablets, has been employed. Post-eruption topical fluoride products have also been introduced, such as fluoridated toothpaste, along with fluoride-containing rinses and varnishes.

Clinical Instructions for Using Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) in Dental Caries Management.

Unlabelled: Manufacturer instructions for 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) are limited to current FDA clearance for tooth desensitization. There is a need for instructions to provide best-practice recommendations for off-label use of SDF for caries prevention and arrest.

Methods: The authors considered existing clinical approaches to the use of 38% SDF at pH 10 for the prevention and arrest of active dental caries, in light of the best current evidence.

Revitalising Silver Nitrate for Caries Management.

Silver nitrate has been adopted for medical use as a disinfectant for eye disease and burned wounds. In dentistry, it is an active ingredient of Howe's solution used to prevent and arrest dental caries. While medical use of silver nitrate as a disinfectant became subsidiary with the discovery of antibiotics, its use in caries treatment also diminished with the use of fluoride in caries prevention.