Fluoride Concentration in SDF Commercial Products and Their Bioavailability with Demineralized Dentine

The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the fluoride concentration in silver diamine fluoride (SDF) products and their bioavailability with demineralized dentine. The products evaluated (expected fluoride concentrations) were: I: Saforide 38% (45,283 ppm F); II: Advantage Arrest 38.3 to 43.2% (45,283 to 51,013 ppm F); III: Ancárie 12% (14,100 ppm F); IV: Ancárie 30% (35,400 ppm F), V: Cariestop 12% (14,100 ppm F) and VI: Cariestop 30% (35,400 ppm F). The fluoride concentration was evaluated using an ion-specific electrode (ISE) by direct technique, which was confirmed after microdiffusion. The pH of the products was determined with a pH test strip. For the bioavailability test, demineralized dentine slabs were treated with one of the products for 1 min. Loosely (CaF2-like) and firmly-bound fluoride (FAp) were determined. The fluoride concentration found in the products (mean±SD; ppm F) by the ISE direct technique was: I:53,491±554; II:57,249±1,851; III:4,814±268; IV:5,726±43; V:10,145±468; VI:11,858±575; these values were confirmed after microdiffusion (t-test; p>0.05) and disagree with the declared by the manufacturers. The pH of Ancárie 12 and 30% was 6.0 and 4.5, respectively, in disagreement with the alkaline pH expected for SDF solution and found in the other products evaluated. There was no correlation between either CaF2-like (r=0.221; p=0.337) or FAp (r=-0.144; p=0.830) formed in demineralized dentine and fluoride concentration found in the products. The problems of pH and fluoride concentration found in available professional commercial SDF products suggest that they are not under sanitary surveillance.