Effect of Three Chemical Agents on Stain Removal from Dentin Caries Lesions Treated with Silver Diamine Fluoride

Introduction: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of three different chemical agents on stain removal and mineral uptake of artificial dentin caries (ADC) lesions treated with silver diamine fluoride (SDF). Methods: Baseline L*a*b* values were determined in polished human permanent dentin blocks, and ADC lesions were induced with an acid gel for 1 week. Samples were assigned to four groups; in three groups, half of each sample received SDF (30% SDF for 3 min), while the other half received SDF followed by a bleaching treatment protocol (garlic extract, bentonite, or 35% hydrogen peroxide). The fourth group had one SDF-treated half and one half without SDF. Color changes (Delta E) were measured by spectrometry, and transversal microradiography was used to quantify integrated mineral loss (Delta Z) 24 h after treatment (SDF or SDF + bleaching). A two-way mixed ANOVA was applied to thirty percent. Results: SDF application increased mineral uptake by ADC (p = 0.001). The type of chemical agent evaluated (p < 0.0001), time (p = 0.01), and their interaction (p < 0.0001) bleached the ADC treated with SDF. However, 35% hydrogen peroxide was the only compound with a bleaching effect (p < 0.001), without returning to baseline color. None of the compounds altered the mineral uptake effect of SDF (p = 0.30). Conclusion: This in vitro study showed mineral uptake effect in ACD within 24 h after SDF application and the ability of hydrogen peroxide to partially remove (reduction of 24%) the staining caused by SDF without affecting its mineral uptake effect.