Efficacy of 38% Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) versus Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) in Arresting Dental Caries in Paediatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
A Alqadi, L Qubbaj, B Saleh et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed whether 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) arrests dental caries in paediatric patients compared with atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) or placebo. The review included six randomised controlled trials identified through database searches and used a random-effects model. The authors concluded that 38% SDF is effective in halting caries and slightly outperforms ART; both interventions may be considered for paediatric patients. The abstract provides no pooled effect estimate or other quantitative comparison of treatment outcomes.
Key findings
- Six randomised controlled trials met the review’s inclusion criteria.
- The authors concluded that 38% SDF halts caries in paediatric patients and slightly outperforms ART.
- The review concluded that both SDF and ART may be considered for paediatric patients.
Why it matters
Caries-arresting approaches are relevant to paediatric care, and this review synthesises trial evidence comparing a topical intervention with a restorative approach. Its conclusion suggests both may have a role, while the lack of a reported pooled effect estimate in the abstract makes the size of any advantage difficult to judge.
What to keep in mind
Only six trials were included. The authors call for more standardised research with extended follow-up; the abstract does not report a pooled effect estimate.