Most children who have cavities have to tolerate the discomfort of dental drilling. By removing rotten spots in teeth, dentists can prevent cavities from spreading. The technique works well, but it scares a lot of young patients.
Over the last couple of years, dentists have had a new option for treating childhood cavities. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has been used in Asia for decades. Finally, patients in the United States get to benefit from the treatment. As a result, the 28 percent of kids 2 to 5 and 51 percent of kids 6 to 11 may not have to undergo drilling and filling.
How Silver Diamine Fluoride Works
SDF contains a combination of silver and fluoride, both of which have properties that can stall or prevent dental decay. Silver has antibacterial properties that protect teeth infections. Fluoride has the ability to remineralize tooth enamel that has become damaged.
Medical SDF is a colorless, odorless liquid that hardens when it comes into contact with teeth. When the liquid hardens, it creates a barrier that protects teeth from further decay.
The Benefits of Choosing Silver Diamine Fluoride
SDF has become a popular way for dentists to treat cavities in young people because it:
- Has a lower cost than drilling and filling teeth.
- Has proven itself an effective treatment option.
- Doesn’t subject children to the pain and potential trauma of drilling.
SDF doesn’t have many negative effects. It can, however, stain teeth, skin and clothing. Dentists can lower the risk of staining by targeting specific teeth and covering the patient’s clothes. If teeth get stained during the application process, dentists can usually remove the discoloration by polishing the area.
Guidelines for Using Silver Diamine Fluoride
In 2016, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved SDF for use in adults who have extremely sensitive teeth. Dentists, however, quickly found that they got positive results from using SDF on young patients with cavities in their permanent teeth.
By the end of 2017, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognized the popularity of the SDF’s off-label use. The organization issued guidelines to improve the safety and effectiveness of using SDF to treat children with caries (cavities).
According to the updated guidelines, dentists should use 38 percent SDF to stop cavities from growing.
SDF’s numerous benefits and limited drawbacks make it a useful option for treating caries in children. Over time, the treatment option will likely become more popular in the U.S.
