Silver diamine fluoride and oral health-related quality of life: A network meta-analysis

Abstract

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.