: Objective To review the evidence regarding the mechanisms of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for arresting caries. Methods A literature search was conducted using the keywords silver diamine fluoride, and its alternative names, in seven databases: PubMed, Embase and Scopus (English); China National Knowledge Infrastructure (Chinese); Bilioteca Virtual em Saude (Portuguese); Biblioteca Virtual en Salud Espana (Spanish); and Ichushi‐Web (Japanese). The titles and s were screened. Full texts were retrieved for publications that studied mechanisms of actions of SDF, including its effects on remineralisation of carious lesions and on cariogenic bacteria. Results A total of 1,123 publications were identified. Twenty‐nine articles were included and they investigated the effect of SDF on cariogenic bacteria and dental hard tissues. Eleven studies investigated the antibacterial properties of SDF. They found that SDF was bactericidal to cariogenic bacteria, mainly Streptococcus mutans. It inhibited the growth of cariogenic biofilms on teeth. Twenty studies reported the remineralisation of demineralised enamel or dentine by SDF. They found that mineral loss of demineralised enamel and dentine was reduced after SDF treatment. A highly mineralised surface rich in calcium and phosphate was formed on arrested carious lesions. Four studies examined the effect of SDF on dentine collagen. They found that SDF inhibited collagenases (matrix metalloproteinases and cysteine cathepsins) and protected dentine collagen from destruction. Conclusion SDF is a bactericidal agent and reduces the growth of cariogenic bacteria. It inhibits demineralisation and promotes the remineralisation of demineralised enamel and dentine. It also hampers degradation of the dentine collagen.