How Silver Diamine Fluoride Works to Stop Tooth Decay Progression

In the hunt to protect our oral health, researchers are continually looking for new tools and treatments. That exploration has uncovered how effective an antimicrobial solution called silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is at treating tooth decay. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared SDF treatment for treating tooth sensitivity. Dental professionals applied it to teeth and realized it stopped dental caries (i.e., tooth decay and cavities) in their tracks. They also discovered that SDF is safe for kids. 

If your child has tooth decay, Irene Zaki, DDS, can apply silver diamine fluoride here at Happy Teeth Children’s Dentistry in Riverside, California. This comfortable treatment can stop tooth decay and help protect your child’s teeth. 

Understanding silver diamine fluoride treatment

Silver diamine fluoride is an antimicrobial liquid formulated to stop cavities from growing. 

It simultaneously does two things to protect your child’s oral health. First, it kills the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Second, the fluoride in the solution helps remineralize the hard outer coating (enamel) on your child’s teeth, bolstering their defense against future tooth decay. 

SDF is a particularly exciting treatment option for kids because it’s painless. To apply it, Dr. Zaki and our team put gauze around any tooth we want to treat to keep it dry. We then dry the tooth and apply the SDF solution. 

Once that dries, your child can continue on their way with no downtime required. 

Dr. Zaki may recommend repeat SDF treatments (e.g., every six months) to maximize the solution’s effectiveness. 

There’s one more thing you should know about silver diamine fluoride. It can cause tooth discoloration. However, Dr. Zaki can use filling materials or a crown to cover any staining. This way, your child gets a healthy tooth that looks good, too. 

The safety of SDF for kids

Silver diamine fluoride has been extensively studied. One study by the National Institutes of Health evaluated the efficacy of this treatment in nearly 600 children ages 1-5 with extensive tooth decay. That study found that the treatment was safe and much better than the placebo at stopping tooth decay in its tracks, and 54% of cavities treated with SDF stopped progressing.

If your child is dealing with serious tooth decay, this tested option may be able to help. To explore how silver diamine fluoride could stop tooth decay progression for your child, call our team at Happy Teeth Children’s Dentistry to schedule an appointment or book your visit online.