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

Abstract

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.

Clinical effectiveness/child-patient and parent satisfaction of two topical fluoride treatments for caries: a randomised clinical trial

“…19 A network meta-analysis found no differences in oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) between SDF and other non-surgical treatments for dental caries in children. 20 Duangthip 21 also found that using SDF for caries arrest in preschool children is safe, with no signi cant adverse effects reported by parents.…”

Impact of Silver Diamine Fluoride Therapy on the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Preschool Children with Behavioral Problems after Three Months: A Pilot Study

“…Ruff et al conducted a meta-analysis comparing the influence of SDF on the OHRQoL versus other standard therapy methods [ 19 ]. The findings showed that the improvement in OHRQoL after treatment with SDF did not differ from results with other treatment options such as atraumatic restorations.…”

“…In a recently conducted meta-analysis comparing the influence of SDF on the OHRQoL with other therapy methods, it was noted that there was a very limited number of studies that considered the effect of SDF on the OHRqoL [ 19 ]. Although it was found that the OHRQoL was not notably affected by SDF when compared to other treatment options, this conclusion was constrained by the small number of studies in this field.…”

Rampant caries management using Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF): A case report

“…Despite the unfavorable view, parents agree with SDF application if they perceive their child as uncooperative and compare it with other options such as ART or general sedation (Crystal et al, 2017). Oral quality of life after SDF application is still under investigation (Ruff et al, 2022). A recent study concluded that it is not noticeably affected by SDF application, but further studies are needed for the impact of the baseline severity of caries treated by SDF and the application of SDF on posterior versus anterior teeth on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) (Ruff et al, 2022).…”

“…Oral quality of life after SDF application is still under investigation (Ruff et al, 2022). A recent study concluded that it is not noticeably affected by SDF application, but further studies are needed for the impact of the baseline severity of caries treated by SDF and the application of SDF on posterior versus anterior teeth on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) (Ruff et al, 2022).…”