Gingivitis in the geriatric population is one of the growing global public health concerns, thus finding the most effective and non-invasive approach to prevent and treat gingivitis in the geriatric population is essential to prevent tooth loss and maintain oral health and function. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is Class II medical device. It was cleared for use in US August 2014 and became commercially available in April 2015. It is a chemical agent which has bifunctional properties. The silver itself kills caries causing bacteria directly. Silver and fluoride together interact to form fluorapatite, in addition, assist in hardening the teeth and preventing further demineralization.

Even though SDF has been approved in dental caries prevention and treatment, there are no published studies or evidence that evaluated the direct effect of SDF on gingivitis. If SDF improves or prevents gingivitis is unknown. The main goal of this clinical study is to investigate the effect of SDF on gingival status in geriatric patients with gingivitis. There is an urgent need to solve this common oral disease in the geriatric population. The logic for this research in a geriatric population is to find the most effective approach to treat gingivitis to prevent tooth loss and maintain oral health and function.

To find an effective approach to treat gingivitis in the geriatric group, we will investigate the effectiveness of SDF application on gingival tissues in this group. The patients with gingivitis will be randomly allocated to two groups: group1(case group) will receive SDF application and group 2 (control group) will receive a normal saline application. The gingiva will be evaluated for both groups at baseline before the application. Then 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the last application of the intervention. In addition, a sample of plaque will be taken from the teeth selected in this study by swab using the dental kit (Ubiome) before and after both applications to quantify the presence of bacterial pathogen at baseline and follow up visits. The feasibility of this proposed therapy is supported by published literature that has shown that SDF was effective in dental and root caries prevention and treatment in geriatric patients.

The Aims

• Aim 1 To investigate the effect of SDF application on gingival status in elder patients with gingivitis. To accomplish this aim, the subjects with gingivitis will be randomly allocated to two groups: group 1(case group) will receive SDF application and group 2 (control group) will receive Normal Saline. The SDF and normal saline will apply on the selected teeth with gingivitis once a week during a three-week period. The gingival status will be evaluated at baseline before the application of either SDF or normal saline. Then at the second week and fourth week after the final application. The measurable outcomes will be Plaque Index (PI) and the Gingival Index (GI). In addition, record of existing brushing and flossing habits. If SDF application shows an improvement in the gingival condition (reduction in the plaque and gingival indices) in treatment group comparing to the control group it indicates that its effectiveness not only on dental caries as published, but it is also may extended to include gingivitis.
• Aim 2 To quantify the presence of bacterial pathogen in the dental biofilm. To accomplish this aim, a sample of dental plaque will be taken from the teeth selected in this study by swab using the dental kit (Ubiome) before and after the SDF or normal saline application to quantify the presence of bacterial pathogen at baseline before the application, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the application.

Summary:

The proposed therapeutic intervention of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) in treating geriatric patients with gingivitis will establish a new adjunctive and inexpensive protocol for treatment of gingivitis. Gingivitis is inflammation of gingival tissues caused by dental biofilm bacterial infection. Left untreated, gingivitis will cause tooth loss. The preliminary results will provide new recommendations for treating geriatric patients in a safe, effective, and low-cost manner. This study will also address the gap in scientific knowledge regarding the use of SDF to treat gingivitis in elderly patients.

Research Hypothesis: The application of SDF varnish is expected to improve the gingival condition and can be an effective approach in the treatment of gingivitis in geriatric patients.

Null Hypothesis: The application of SDF varnish does not improve the gingival condition and cannot be an effective approach in the treatment of gingivitis in geriatric patients.

Research Question: Does the application of silver Diamine Fluoride on teeth with gingivitis will improve the gingival condition in geriatric patients with gingivitis

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age group 65 years and older
• Males and females
• Minimum of 6 remaining teeth with gingivitis (at least one posterior tooth should be present)
• Every participant should agree to not brush or floss three days prior the data collection
• Every participant should agree to not use any mouthwash or Fluoride treatment for the entire study period
• All socioeconomic status included

Exclusion Criteria:

• Active chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• Known history of allergy to Silver Particles
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Use of antibiotics in the last three months
• Periodontal therapy in the last 3 months
• Mouth rinse such as Chlorhexidine (CHX) at least 30 days prior to the study
• Smoking
• Epileptic patients on medication cause gingival overgrowth
• Patients who are unable to give consent
• Teeth with periodontitis

The participants and outcome Assessor will be blinded The participants will be blinded about which interventions they will receive and the Outcomes Assessor who will evaluate the gingival condition will be blinded about the interventions, and also the care provider who will apply the intervention will be blinded