Title: Silver diamine fluoride use in different periodicity, arresting capability and parental acceptance in autistic children - Research Article
Abstract:
Silver Diamine Fluoride is a minimally invasive cariostatic agent. The practice of conventional dental treatment procedures in children with autism is challenging, making SDF a definitive approach for caries management.
Aim:
To evaluate the caries arresting capacity of SDF on application at different periodicity and parental acceptance in Autistic Children
Design:
A longitudinal interventional prospective study conducted in Autistic centers/Kantipur Dental College and Hospital. Parent’s acceptance for the use of SDF was recorded at each visit, before and after the treatment. Caries arrest rate on consecutive visits was assessed.
Results:
Forty children with autism aged 3-6 years participated in the study with mean dmft of 2.95±1.88. Caries arrest in Group I (3 months interval application) was statistically significant at 3 months and 3-6 months (p=0.002, 95% CI). Group II (6 months interval application) showed highly significant (p=0.001, 95% CI) caries arrest at 6 months. At 12 months, Group I and II demonstrated caries arrest rate of 95.45% and 98.07% respectively. The parental acceptance for the dark stain from initial to final visit in Group I and II was significant (p<0.001).
Conclusion:
A significant caries arrest was observed in both groups, highlighting the benefits of biannual SDF application. The parents exhibited a positive acceptance towards SDF use.
