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Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) was developed in Japan in the 1960s. It is a clear solution containing silver and fluoride ions. Because of its anti-bacterial and remineralizing effect, silver diamine fluoride has been used in managing dental caries for decades worldwide. This paper aims to summarize and discuss the global policies, guidelines, and relevant information on utilizing SDF for caries management. SDF can be used for treating dental caries in most countries. However, it is not permitted to be used in mainland China. Several manufacturers, mainly in Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, and the United States, produce SDF at different concentrations that are commercially available around the world. The prices differ between contents and brands. Different government organizations and dental associations have developed guidelines for clinical use of SDF. Dental professionals can refer to the specific guidelines in their own countries or territories. Training for using SDF is part of undergraduate and/or postgraduate curriculums in almost all countries. However, real utilization of SDF of dentists, especially in the private sector, remains unclear in most places because little research has been conducted. There are at least two ongoing regional-wide large-scale oral health programs, using SDF as one of the components to manage dental caries in young children (one in Hong Kong and one in Mongolia). Because SDF treatment does not require caries removal, and it is simple, non-invasive, and inexpensive, SDF is a valuable strategy for caries management in young children, elderly people, and patients with special needs. In addition, to reduce the risk of bacteria or virus transmission in dental settings, using SDF as a non-aerosol producing procedure should be emphasized under the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Buddhist Lent Dry Campaign” is an alcohol‐control programme that uses religious opportunities to promote behavioural changes among the Thai population. It is undertaken at the national and community levels. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of the community‐level intervention under the campaign on alcohol consumption behaviour. A prospective cohort study was conducted. The sample comprised 447 drinkers from four intervention communities and 388 from four non‐intervention communities. All were subjected to a series of sequential interviews. Our findings showed that the availability of the community intervention had a significant effect on alcohol abstinence not only during Buddhist Lent (OR = 2.74, 95% CI = 1.96, 3.85), but also 3 months after the end of Buddhist Lent (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.42, 3.38). Furthermore, the intervention was very effective among drinkers who took an abstinence pledge (OR = 7.04, 95% CI = 4.49, 11.04). However, the effectiveness of the community intervention weakened after the intervention it ended. Additional interventions might be required to maintain the effects of the community intervention.

Background: There is limited information on the effectiveness of 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in managing enamel caries. Objective: This study aimed to compare effectiveness of 38% SDF and 5% Sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish in arresting enamel caries in young children when applied semiannually over 18 months. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on children aged 1–3 years who had at least one active carious surface. They were allocated into two groups: Group 1 (38% SDF) and Group 2 (5% NaF varnish). Visual-tactile examination was used to assess extent of carious lesions. Enamel caries that did not progress to dentin were classified as having caries arrest. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed. Results: At baseline, 290 children with 1974 tooth surfaces with enamel caries were recruited. Caries arrest rates at the tooth surface level in Group 1 and Group 2 were 59.1% and 58.8%, respectively (p = 0.873), at 18 months. The multilevel logistic regression analysis revealed that tooth position, tooth surface, extent of enamel caries at baseline, caries experience, and brushing with fluoride toothpaste influenced caries arrest (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The semiannual application of 38% SDF and 5% NaF varnish had comparable effectiveness in arresting enamel caries in primary teeth.