Methods and compositions for preventing caries

A method for treating or reducing caries in one or more teeth of an individual, wherein the tooth has a surface, wherein the method comprises:

• a. applying a composition to the tooth surface of the individual for a period of between about 1 and 5 minutes, wherein the composition comprises SDF in an amount of between 1% and 40% by weight, and a carrier that provides a sustained release of SDF and adheres to the tooth surface;
• b. rinsing said composition from the tooth surface;
• wherein caries in one or more teeth of the individual is reduced, as compared to an individual whose tooth surface is not subjected to the SDF composition.

A method for arresting caries or reducing the number of active caries lesions in an individual, the method comprises:

• a. applying a composition to the tooth surface of the individual, wherein the composition comprises silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in an amount of between 1% and 40% by weight, and a varnish that provides a sustained release of SDF and adheres to the tooth surface;
• b. curing said composition;
• wherein caries is arrested or the number of active caries lesions are reduced, as compared to an individual whose tooth surface is not subjected to the SDF composition.

A method for treating caries or carious lesions in an individual, the method comprises:

• a. applying a composition to the tooth surface of the individual, wherein the composition comprises silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in an amount of between 1% and 40% by weight, and a varnish that provides a sustained release of SDF and adheres to the tooth surface;
• b. curing said composition;
• wherein caries is treated, as compared to an individual whose tooth surface is not subjected to the SDF composition.

A composition that comprises:

• a. SDF in an amount between about between about 1% and about 40% by weight;
• and
• b. a carrier that allows for sustained release of SDF.

A toothpaste or mouthwash composition that comprises:

• a. SDF in an amount between about between about 0.1% and about 10% by weight;
• and
• b. a carrier.