The Effect of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) on Bacteria Involved in Root or Cervical Carious Lesions

To assess the effect of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) treatment on microorganisms present in
root caries or cervical lesions by collecting microbial deposits before and 1 month after SDF
application. Bacterial samples will be collected from 20 adult subjects at the initial visit
before application of SDF and one month after. At the 1 month recall, examination for caries
arrest will be performed. All 40 bacterial samples will be sent to the Forsyth Institute to
verify bacterial composition using HOMINGS technology.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Generally healthy adult participants 18 years of age and older.

- At least one tooth with active (soft) cavitated lesions of ICDAS score 5 or 6 near the
gingival margin (coronal cervical caries at the CEJ or exposed root surfaces with soft
active carious lesions exposing dentin).

Exclusion Criteria:

- Adult participants who suffer from serious life-threatening medical diseases that
interfere with basic daily self care activities.

- Patients taking antibiotics within the last two weeks.

- Patients using chlorhexidine or fluoride mouth washes within the last two weeks.

- Pregnant or breastfeeding women.

- Teeth with arrested (hard) cervical or root caries lesions.

- Teeth that have been diagnosed with an abscess or an irreversible pulpitis, or are
mobile.