Effectiveness of Silver Diamine Fluoride for Preventing Occlusal Caries in the Primary Teeth of Preschool Children: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background Tooth decay is a significant public health problem globally. The caries-arrest effectiveness of 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has been well documented. However, information on the caries-preventive effect of SDF on primary teeth is insufficient. Objective The aim of this trial is to investigate the effectiveness of semiannual application of 38% SDF and that of 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish when compared with placebo control for preventing occlusal caries in the primary molars of preschool children over 30 months. Methods This 3-arm, parallel design, double-blind, randomized controlled trial involves 791 preschool children. Children are randomly allocated to receive 1 of 3 interventions as follows: Group 1, 38% SDF; Group 2, 5% NaF varnish; and Group 3, placebo control (tonic water). The intervention and dental examination will be carried out every 6 months. A parent-administered questionnaire, including the children’s demographic background and oral health–related behaviors, has been collected at baseline. Follow-up examinations to detect new caries development will be conducted every 6 months by a masked examiner. Caries development will be diagnosed at the cavitation level. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses will be adopted. A 2-level logistic regression analysis will be performed to investigate the effects of the study interventions and other potential confounding factors on the development of occlusal caries. Results This study was started on September 1, 2020, and the recruitment process ended on September 30, 2021. At present, a total of 791 children are participating in the study. This 30-month clinical trial is expected to be completed in March 2024. Conclusions If SDF application is more effective than NaF varnish for preventing caries on occlusal surfaces of primary teeth, it can be a preferred choice for caries prevention in a kindergarten-based program. Results of this trial will provide valuable clinical evidence for the development of oral health strategies and policies on the promotion of child oral health. Trial Registration HKU Clinical Registry HKUCTR-2844, https://tinyurl.com/bdhz9yuk; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05084001, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05084001 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/35145