The effect of equal fluoride concentrations in silver diamine fluoride and potassium fluoride on demineralized dentin during pH‐cycling: chemical data

The actual contribution of silver in silver diamine fluoride (SDF) towards the anti‐demineralizing effect is unclear. This study compared the effects of single applications of three concentrations of fluoride (4.1%, 1.025%, 0.26% F(−)) in the form of SDF and potassium fluoride (KF) on demineralized dentin in a 15‐day non‐microbial pH‐cycling model. Calcium loss and uptake in de‐ and remineralization buffers were analyzed daily. Fluoride release in both buffers was analyzed on days 1, 2, 3, and 8. The net calcium results of de‐ and remineralization cycles revealed dose‐response protection without significant differences between equal fluoride concentrations of SDF and KF. In the demineralization cycles, all fluoride treatments, except KF 0.26% F(−), significantly inhibited demineralization, with KF 4.1% F(−) being the most effective. In the remineralization cycles, remineralization was enhanced in all fluoride concentration groups in a dose‐response manner with no difference between similar fluoride concentrations of SDF and KF. Daily fluoride effects were constant throughout the experiment. Fluoride analysis revealed statistically significant differences in fluoride release between the treatments on day 1 that diminished on days 2 and 3. The non‐microbial model showed no differences between SDF and KF in inhibiting demineralization and enhancing remineralization of dentin lesions.