Fluoride and silver concentrations of silver diammine fluoride solutions for dental use

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the short-term stability of free fluoride ion concentrations and acidity (pH values) of three commercially available SDF solutions over time. METHODS: Three SDF products for caries control were studied: Cariestop-12%, Cariestop-30% and Saforide-38%. Their expected fluoride ion concentrations were 14,200, 35,400 and 44,800 ppm, respectively. The fluoride ion concentrations were determined with an ion-selective electrode. The acidity was determined with a pH electrode. The measurements were performed when open and at 7 and 28 days. RESULTS: The mean fluoride ion concentrations of the freshly opened bottles were 12,525 +/- 450, 13,200 +/- 2060 and 55,800 +/- 2536 ppm, respectively. The mean pH values were 9.4 +/- 0.1, 10.4 +/- 0.1 and 10.2 +/- 0.2, respectively. No significant change (P > 0.05) in the fluoride ion concentrations or the acidity was detected after 7 or 28 days. CONCLUSION: The three SDF tested solutions were alkaline. The fluoride ion concentrations of Cariestop-30% and Saforide-38% were considerably different. The fluoride ion concentrations and acidity of the products demonstrated a short-term stability over 28 days.