Clinical Update quiz
The Clinical Update online is a free member service providing up to 11 FREE CPD hours per year.
Each month, the Clinical Update is published online. There are 11 Clinical Updates per year (February - December). This service is available to ADAVB and ADATas members only. Members can log in to view and answer the Clinical Update questions. If you answer at least eight out of 10 questions correctly, you will receive one hour of scientific CPD.
Please note: Each new Clinical Update will be available below from the first business day of each month.
June 2026 Clinical Update
Effectiveness of chlorhexidine and xylitol varnish versus silver diamine fluoride in the control of initial dental caries lesions: a randomised clinical trial
Magalhães Cairo G , Cardoso Oliveira M, V. Meira Maia V, Neves Oliveira IF, Neves Souza Gomes MJ, Augusto Casotti C. Eur J Paediatr Dent. 2026 Mar 1:27:1. DOI 10.23804/ejpd.2026.2361
Compiled by Dr Sarah Chin
This article was originally published by the European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry and has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Introduction
Dental caries is a multifactorial condition that is the most prevalent oral disease globally. It arises from the interaction of cariogenic bacteria, a diet high in fermentable sugars and individual susceptibility. Early reversible enamel demineralisation is seen clinically as a white spot in the enamel. Early diagnosis and effective management present significant challenges in dentistry particularly in vulnerable populations. A number of cariostatic agents are able to promote enamel remineralisation and halt lesion progression. These include silver diamine fluoride (SDF), conventional fluoride and xylitol.
This randomised clinical trial aims to analyse the effectiveness of a 2% chlorhexidine and 5% xylitol (VCX) varnish compared to a 30% SDF solution in treating initial dental caries lesions.
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