Objective Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an effective non-surgical treatment for dental caries which may also impact oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). The objective of this study was to conduct a network meta-analysis of SDF versus other standard of care therapies on OHRQoL. Data sources Studies published in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, or Web of Science through July 2021 with no date or language restrictions. Study selection Any randomized controlled trial, cohort, or case-control study that included silver diamine fluoride as either a single or combinative treatment for dental caries and a quantitatively measured outcome for oral health-related quality of life was included. Data extraction and synthesis Potentially eligible studies were screened by two independent reviewers trained in conducting systematic reviews. Studies meeting inclusion criteria underwent a full-text review with data being extracted using a standardized form, including publication details, study methodology, outcomes, assessors, and sample information. Studies underwent a risk of bias assessment. Quantitative synthesis was performed using fixed effects meta-analysis and individual comparisons were assessed via network meta-analysis. Main outcome(s) and measure(s) Oral health-related quality of life. Results 19 articles were returned following search strategies. Following screening, ten studies were evaluated for full-text eligibility and five were retained for meta-analyses. Results across all treatments indicate no differences in OHRQoL when compared to SDF (SMD = -0.06, 95% CI = -0.20, 0.08). Direct and indirect estimates from network meta-analysis indicated that OHRQoL in children was not significantly different when treated with SDF versus atraumatic restorations (d = 0.02, 95% CI = -0.32, 0.36) or placebo (d = 0.03, 95% CI = -0.16, 0.22). Conclusions Evidence from the literature consistently shows no discernible impact on OHRQoL across various non-surgical treatments for dental caries. Overall oral health-related quality of life may increase regardless of treatment protocol due to treatment of the underlying disease. Concerns over the staining of dental decay and oral mucosa resulting from treatment with silver diamine fluoride do not seem to affect OHRQoL.

Background: Children with dental caries (tooth decay), the world's most prevalent noncommunicative disease, face severe negative impacts on health and quality of life. Methods: The CariedAway trial is a study of the non-inferiority of WHO-sponsored essential medicines when used in a pragmatic, school-based caries prevention model. We present data on severity of disease, evidence of traditional dental care, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on urgent needs of low-income, minority children in New York City. Results: Of the 1398 children enrolled in CariedAway, approximately 30% had untreated caries on any dentition at baseline and only 11% of children presented with evidence of having received preventive dental sealants. When follow-up observations were performed after 24 months, 4% of children had developed fistula and nearly 10% presented with pulpal involvement. Conclusion: School-based caries prevention programs are attractive public health interventions to overcome access barriers to dental care and reduce oral health inequities. We show that there are severe unmet needs in minority urban children that are further exacerbated by a lack of access to care during disease outbreaks. School-based programs using essential medicines can provide lasting care during pandemic periods.

Objectives: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an effective non-surgical treatment for dental caries which may also impact oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). The objective of this study was to conduct a network meta-analysis of SDF versus other standard of care therapies on OHRQoL. Methods: Studies comparing SDF to an acceptable comparator and included a quantitatively-evaluated oral health-related quality of life measure were reviewed for eligibility and analyzed using network meta-analysis. Studies were also assessed for risk of bias and quality of evidence. Results: Following screening, ten studies were evaluated for full-text eligibility and five were retained for meta-analyses. Studies included in quantitative synthesis were classified as a high degree of evidence, suggesting estimated effects are similar to true effects. Direct and indirect estimates from network meta-analysis indicated that OHRQoL in children was not significantly different when treated with SDF versus atraumatic restorations (d = 0.02, 95% CI = -0.32, 0.36) or placebo (d = 0.03, 95% CI = -0.16, 0.22). Conclusions: Evidence from the literature consistently shows no discernible impact on OHRQoL across various non-surgical treatments for dental caries. Overall oral health-related quality of life may increase regardless of treatment protocol due to treatment of the underlying disease. Concerns over the staining of dental decay and oral mucosa resulting from treatment with silver diamine fluoride do not seem to affect OHRQoL.