## 4 Discussion
### Optimizing SDF Application Protocols and Treatment Outcomes  
[PERSON] et al. explored the optimal duration of SDF application in pediatric dental caries prevention. The study, involving different application durations (30, 60, and 120 s), found no significant difference in overall caries arrest at 6 months [122]. This challenges the notion that longer application times necessarily lead to better outcomes, providing insights into the efficiency of SDF application in minimally cooperative children [88]. [PERSON] et al. investigated the potential of 1:10-diluted SDF as an option for indirect pulp capping in primary molars, comparing it with light-cured calcium hydroxide. The study found no statistically significant difference in success rates between the two groups, suggesting that diluted SDF can indeed be a viable option. This aligns with the broader trend of exploring alternative applications of SDF in pediatric dentistry [89].  
In a clinical interventional study by [PERSON] et al. involving 60 primary molar teeth in children aged 4-8 years, a comparative analysis was conducted between SMART and conventional treatments. Teeth were assessed at the baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. SMART involved SDF application followed by glass ionomer cement restoration and stainless-steel crown placement. The results showed that both SMART and conventional methods effectively managed deep caries lesions, highlighting the potential of SDF in minimally invasive dentistry [86].  
In the double-blinded, randomized controlled trial of [PERSON] et al., 34 children (age 6-9 years) with 68 cavitated curious primary molars were divided into two groups: 38% SDF and 5% NaF varnish. The study aimed to evaluate the caries-arresting potential at 6- and 12-month intervals. The results indicated statistically significant differences in favor of SDF at both intervals (82% vs. 45% at 6 months, 77.4% vs. 41.9% at 12 months) [123]. This study suggests SDF's superior efficacy in arresting cavitated curious lesions compared to NaF varnish, emphasizing its potential as a non-invasive treatment for disadvantaged communities [87].  
[PERSON] et al.'s clinical interventional study and [PERSON] et al.'s randomized controlled trial both demonstrate the efficacy of SDF-based treatments in managing deep caries lesions, with SDF showing superior caries-arresting potential compared to conventional methods and fluoride varnish, respectively. These findings underscore the potential of SDF as a non-invasive and effective treatment option, particularly for disadvantaged communities.  
The study of [PERSON] et al. aimed to assess how often interproximal caries arrest occurred in primary dentition after SDF and fluoride varnish applications. A retrospective review of the dental records of 131 pediatric patients who received SDF treatment with woven floss was performed. In total, 84% of 185 interproximal carious lesions had radiographic evidence of non-progression during a 12-month follow-up. Regarding the type of insurance or the type of teeth, no discernible changes were detected. According to the study, SDF applied with woven floss is linked to low-risk children's interproximal caries arrest. Limitations include the retrospective design and the need for future placebo-controlled studies [79].  
Collectively, these studies contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy and versatility of SDF in pediatric dental care, paving the way for its wider adoption and application in clinical practice.