Comparing the anticaries effects of silver diamine fluoride and propolis tincture among community-dwelling older adults - a randomized controlled trial

Background Dental caries remains a major oral health burden among older adults, where conventional fluoride strategies may be less effective. The aim of this study was to compare the anticaries effects of 38% Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) with Propolis tincture in community-dwelling older adults. Methods In a randomized trial, participants aged 55–65 years with active caries were allocated to receive either 38% SDF (Advantage Arrest®, Elevate Oral Care, USA) or Propolis tincture (Superbee®, Hi-Tech Natural Products (India) Ltd., India) at baseline, with follow-ups at 3 and 6 months. Caries progression and arrest were assessed using ICDAS and Root Caries Index (RCI). Primary outcome was caries arrest; secondary outcomes included progression, new lesions, and tolerability. Analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle. Results At the three-month follow-up, SDF achieved an 87% caries arrest rate versus 55% for Propolis tincture, indicating superior arrest and prevention with SDF (p