Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of General Dentists Regarding Using Silver Diamine Fluoride for Managing Dental Caries: A Cross-sectional Survey in Malabar Region

Introduction: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a Food and Drug Administration-approved topical solution designed to treat and prevent dental caries while also reducing sensitivity. It is a non-invasive treatment that can be safely and efficaciously employed in uncooperative children and adult patients alike. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyse the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) about SDF amongst general practitioners in the Malabar region. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted with the help of a pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire of 17 questions on the KAP of SDF conducted on 210 general dentists of Malabar region. Results: A majority of respondents (96.7%) were neutral regarding the arrestment of cavitated carious lesions; the majority (80%) were undecided regarding the application on non-cavitated lesions. Moreover, there was some doubt among the general dentist regarding the SDF application and requirement of requirement of removal of infected dentin prior to the application, with 80% of the centre neutral on that aspect. On the attitude side, 68% of general dental practitioners were neutral too on application of SDF for restorations, while 69% were neutral regarding SDF application in the aesthetic zone for primary teeth, with 31% disagreeing due to the resultant staining. In practice, 70% of respondents reported rarely using SDF for caries arrest in primary teeth. Conclusion: Knowledge and awareness about SDF amongst general practitioners in the Malabar region are low. The main barrier to the use of SDF is that it cannot be used in aesthetic zones due to its staining property.