Silver diamine fluoride vs fluoride varnish to lower Streptococcus mutans in children
Official title: Evaluation of Streptococcus Mutans Reduction by Silver Diamine Fluoride vs. Fluoride Varnish: A Split-Mouth Study in Children
Run by Assiut University · NCT07181967 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will see if applying 38% silver diamine fluoride on one side of the mouth and 5% fluoride varnish on the other lowers Streptococcus mutans in children aged 3–8 with bilateral cavities.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 3 Years to 8 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Assiut University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Asyut, Asyut Governorate) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 15, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | November 18, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07181967 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children aged 3–8 with cooperative behavior (Frankl ≥2) and at least two comparable active dentin caries on opposite primary molars whose parent or guardian can consent are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with silver allergy, active ulcerative gingivitis or stomatitis, recent systemic antibiotics, fixed appliances that interfere with plaque assessment, or other clinician-identified contraindications likely will not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized split-mouth trial enrolls cooperative children aged 3–8 who have at least two contralateral primary molars with active dentin caries. Each child receives 38% silver diamine fluoride on one side and 5% sodium fluoride varnish on the opposite side, with side allocation randomized. The primary outcome is change in Dentocult SM Strip Mutans scores in plaque measured over three months, and secondary outcomes include plaque index, bleeding on probing, and adverse events. Treatments and plaque assessments are conducted at the dental clinic at Assiut University.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a simple, chairside way to reduce cariogenic Streptococcus mutans and help control cavities in young children.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show silver diamine fluoride reliably arrests caries and can reduce mutans levels compared with no treatment and fluoride varnish reduces caries risk, but randomized split-mouth comparisons specifically measuring Streptococcus mutans reduction are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 3-8 years; cooperative (Frankl ≥2). * ≥2 contralateral primary molars with active dentin caries (ICDAS 3-5) of comparable severity. * Parent/guardian consent; child assent when appropriate. Exclusion Criteria: * Silver allergy; ulcerative gingivitis/stomatitis. * Systemic antibiotics within 4 weeks. * Fixed appliances interfering with plaque assessment. * Conditions precluding safe participation per clinician judgment.
Where it's running
-
Assiut University
Asyut, Asyut Governorate, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: ِAhmed Kamel soliman, PHD
- Email: a.k.soliman@hotmail.com
- Phone: +201061553007
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Silver Diamine Fluoride for Caries in Baby Teeth in Routine Dental Care
This study tests whether applying 38% silver diamine fluoride in everyday dental practice can stop decay in primary teeth of children 14 and younger.
-
Nano Silver Fluoride vs. Silver Diamine Fluoride for Kids’ Cavities
This study tests whether Nano Silver Fluoride can stop decay in children as well as Silver Diamine Fluoride.
-
Digital Caries Risk Questionnaire: does it match CAMBRA in Egyptian adults
A digital self‑administered caries risk questionnaire is being tested to see how well it matches the CAMBRA risk assessment in Egyptian adults who visit the dentist.
-
First permanent molars restored with Cention N in children
This trial tests whether restoring both first permanent molars with Cention N in children aged 8-10 is beneficial for clinical results, x-ray findings, and daily oral health quality of life over 12 months.
-
Ozone therapy to boost remineralization of early caries in kids
This study tests whether adding ozone therapy to a remineralizing gel helps children aged 6–12 remineralize early, non-cavitated caries lesions better than the gel alone.
-
Dental health in children with specific learning disabilities
This study will test the dental caries and oral hygiene of 7–12 year-olds with specific learning disabilities and compare them with healthy peers.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.