Background and Aim: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an effective cariostatic agent used in minimally invasive dentistry. However, one major drawback of SDF is dark staining after its application, limiting its clinical use. This study quantified the color change associated with the application of SDF on extracted carious primary molars, the potential masking effects of potassium iodide (KI) and glutathione, and the effect of aging on their masking effect.
Materials and Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, 45 extracted primary carious molars with International Caries Detection Assessment System scores 5 and 6 were collected, cleaned of debris, and stored in distilled water until use. Previously restored teeth and those with pulpal involvement were excluded. The selected teeth were randomly categorized into 3 groups (n=15) for the application of SDF (group 1), SDF+ KI (group 2), and SDF+ glutathione (group 3). Test materials were applied, and images were captured immediately and on day 14. The mean gray values were calculated using Image J software and tabulated. Statistical analysis was done using paired t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey’s test (alpha=0.05).
Results: KI and glutathione were able to mask the staining of SDF compared to SDF alone. SDF+ KI showed the least staining compared to other groups after a 14-day period, which was statistically significant (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Within the study limitations, KI can be considered as a potential masking agent that can overcome the black staining caused by SDF, which is the main barrier to parental acceptance of SDF treatment.