Sawsan Nasreddine

Dr. Nasreddine graduated from the Lebanese University Faculty of Dental Medicine in 1997b and received her postgraduate diploma in Pediatric Dentistry and in Dental Public Health from the same university. She currently teaches at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health at the Lebanese University.

Lecture title: Silver Diamine Fluoride: A New Public Health Measure in Preventing Dental Caries

Lecture abstract: 

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has been used worldwide since 1970 to arrest caries. In 2014, the SDF received FDA clearance as a desensitizing agent in the United States and in 2016 it was recognized by Food and Drug Administration with breakthrough therapy designation for caries treatment.

SDF is a bactericidal agent and reduces the growth of cariogenic bacteria. It inhibits demineralization and promotes the remineralization of enamel and dentine. It also delays degradation of the dentine collagen.

This presentation will discuss current evidence on the efficacy of silver diamine fluoride for arresting caries and prevention. Dentists should be encouraged to use it into their daily practice. In addition, since SDF is inexpensive and can easily be applied in field settings, it should be considered as a new tool to be used in Dental Public Health programs.