Fluoride and silver nanoparticles prevent enamel demineralization and caries: Study

An array of chemotherapeutic agents have been examined as a strategy to prevent and arrest dental caries such as the use of metal ions, antimicrobials and a variety of fluoride compounds out of which Silver diamine fluoride and nano silver fluoride compounds (NSF) possess the capability of preventing the incidence of new caries lesions and arresting the existing ones.

Furthermore, contemporary reviews as well as clinical studies did indicate that fluoride concentrations in the oral environment may have an influence on the progression and remission of dental caries.

Therefore, Bader A.Aldhaian and colleagues from the Indiana University School of Dentistry, Department of Prosthodontics, Indianapolis, USA conducted this study to investigate the effect of fluoride and silver nanoparticles on the prevention of cariogenic demineralization of sound enamel and enamel caries-like lesions of varying severities. They also aimed to determine if fluoride and silver exhibit additive or synergistic effects in preventing demineralization.

aries-like lesions of different severities (1/6/15 days) were created in bovine enamel specimens. One group remained sound. All specimens were demineralized again using a partially saturated acetic acid solution. Mimicking the intra-oral retention of fluoride and silver in vitro, this solution was supplemented with fluoride (0/1/10 ppm) and/or silver nanoparticles (0/10 ppm) in a factorial design. Changes in lesion depth (ΔL) and integrated mineral loss (ΔΔZ) were evaluated by digital transverse microradiography. Data was then analyzed.

The findings observed were-

a. Lesion severity significantly affected ΔΔZ and ΔL, after no treatment and after the treatment of fluoride and silver independently (p = 0.012 and p = 0.037, respectively).

b. Fluoride and the fluoride × lesion severity interaction were shown to be significant (p < 0.001) on ΔΔZ and ΔL.

c. Silver nanoparticles significantly affected ΔΔZ (p = 0.041), but not ΔL (p = 0.15).

d. The silver nanoparticles × lesion severity interaction was significant for ΔΔZ and ΔL (p = 0.032 and p = 0.024, respectively).

e. No interaction was observed for ΔΔZ and ΔL between fluoride and silver (p = 0.962 and p = 0.971, respectively) as well as lesion severity and the use of fluoride and silver combined (p = 0.722 and p = 0.158, respectively).

Therefore, the authors concluded that "fluoride and silver nanoparticles had a significant effect on the prevention of in vitro demineralization of sound enamel and enamel caries-like lesions of varying severities."