Effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride in preventing radiation-induced caries: A pilot study - Takeaways - DentalSpire
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Efficacy of Silver Diamine Fluoride in the Prevention of Caries Induced by Radiation: A Preliminary Investigation

  • By

  • Amal A.K. Noureldin

  • Amerian Sones

  • Luz Mendoza

  • Lloyd Mancl

  • Peter Milgrom

  • July 16, 2026

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  • 1

    Radiation-induced caries (RIC) is a destructive and persistent complication of head and neck radiotherapy, with reported postradiotherapy incidence ranging from 29.0% to 37.0%.

  • 2

    Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is effective in arresting active caries, and growing clinical evidence suggests that it may reduce the development of new lesions in high-risk populations.

  • 3

    The study evaluated whether professionally applied 38% SDF reduced the development of new caries over 6 months compared with placebo in patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy.

  • 4

    Participants were adults scheduled to receive radiotherapy involving the maxilla or mandible. Indicated dental treatment was completed before enrollment to help standardize baseline oral conditions.

  • 5

    SDF or placebo was applied before radiotherapy and at 1 and 3 months afterward. All participants also received oral hygiene and dietary counseling and 1.1% neutral fluoride toothpaste.

Original Source(s)

Effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride in preventing radiation-induced caries: A pilot study

  • by Amal A.K. Noureldin, Amerian Sones, Luz Mendoza, Lloyd Mancl, Peter Milgrom

  • July 16, 2026

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