Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 3 to 8

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 typeInterventional
Ages3 Years to 8 Years
SexAll
Enrollment48 (estimated)
SponsorAssiut University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Asyut, Asyut Governorate)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 15, 2025
Main results expectedDecember 15, 2025
Study endsDecember 30, 2025
Registry record updatedNovember 18, 2025
Trial IDNCT07181967 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.