Mom To Mom, Does Silver Diamine Fluoride Stop Cavities?

~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

I Don't See You, I Don't See My Cavity
I Don’t See You, I Don’t See My Cavity

You’re at your child’s dental check-up and everything is going great. Then you hear that dreaded word, cavity.

So now here you are. You know your child has a cavity and you know they won’t sit to have it taken care of.

You’re thinking, should you schedule an appointment and face the music or tough it out? After all it’s only a baby tooth and it will fall out.

It will fall out, right? But when?

At first toughing it out sounds like a good idea but then you look at their face then in their mouth and realize you just have to make that appointment.

But what can the pediatric dentist do?

Well, there is a special liquid that can be applied directly to teeth which can stop or at least slow down the growth of a cavity.

Sound too good to be true? This remedy is Silver Diamine Fluoride.

What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride?

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is an FDA and ADA (American Dental Association), approved clear topical liquid that is used to treat cavities. It is applied to the cavity area of a tooth to control and stop the growth of the cavity.

How Does SDF Work?

SDF is composed of two main components, silver and fluoride. The silver part acts on the bacteria causing the cavity while the fluoride helps to strengthen and remineralize the tooth. The third accessory component is diamine which makes the SDF into a liquid.

How Is SDF Applied To Teeth?

Your child’s teeth will be dried and any food or plaque is removed. SDF is applied with a small brush and allowed to dry for one to two minutes.

When Is SDF Recommended?

The AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry), has established best practices for the use of SDF. In addition, the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) agrees with the use of SDF as necessary.

Young children, children with special health needs, any child who has a difficult time at the dentist or who may have a lot of cavities may benefit from this type of care.

I Don't Want My Cavity Fixed
I Don’t Want My Cavity Fixed
No Fillings For Me
No Fillings For Me

What Are The Benefits Of SDF?

There are 5 benefits for using SDF ~

  • Quick to apply,
  • Painless,
  • May stop cavity progression,
  • Relieves tooth sensitivity,
  • Helpful cavity treatment for children who are very young or struggle with longer appointment times.
Let's Do SDF
Let’s Do SDF
I Don't Want To Get My Cavity Filled
I Don’t Want To Get My Cavity Filled

Any Risks With SDF?

There are some which may include ~

  • Cavity areas will stain black. Healthy tooth structure will not stain,
  • If Silver Diamine Fluoride touches skin or gums, a harmless temporary brown or white stain may appear on the area. The stain will disappear on its own in one to three weeks,
  • Some may notice a metallic taste but this is temporary,
  • SDF may not stop the cavities from getting deeper and other treatments may need to be discussed.

SDF Is Just Not For Some Children

3 reasons SDF may not be a choice for your child ~

  1. SDF contains silver and children who are allergic to silver or who have sores or ulcers in their mouth should not have it applied to their teeth,
  2. It should also not be used when the cavity is very deep and the tooth’s nerve is involved,
  3. Some parents may not want the cavity areas on their child’s teeth turning black.

Any Alternatives To SDF?

Some possible alternatives may be ~

  • No treatment or deferring treatment, which may lead to a worsening symptom severity, infection, as well as increasing break down of teeth,
  • Depending on the extent and location of the cavities other treatment options may be necessary, such as sedation or general anesthesia. This is an extremely important conversation for you to have with your child’s pediatric dentist.

What To Remember

SDF can be an effective alternative treatment.

It can be painlessly brushed on a cavity to help stop the cavity from growing. This may be a consideration if your child is young has special needs or it is difficult for them to sit through an appointment.

I Don't Care, I Won't Let You Do A Filling
I Don’t Care, I Won’t Let You Do A Filling
I Don't Want A Filling
I Don’t Want A Filling

Has your dentist discussed SDF with you? Has your child had SDF applied to their teeth? How did your appointment go? Are you concerned about the fluoride in SDF? Are you concerned about the dark discoloration? Tell Us. We’d really like to know. Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Like us on Facebook

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!

Unknown's avatar

Published by kidstoothhotline

As a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist with over ten years of experience practicing Pediatric Dentistry, I understand that parents and caregivers are in need for information to care for their children's oral health. You may not have your normal lines of communication open or you cannot easily call or visit your child’s Dentist and obtain answers to your questions. Some families may not yet have a Pediatric Dentist to call. My expertise and knowledge can help serve as your source as I provide answers with information that is current, informative and the Gold Standards of Care which are the practice Guidelines approved by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. I want to help you access this important information by answering your questions through this site. You may want to submit your own individual questions or you can view my postings and answers to other families questions that may apply to your child's needs. I am committed to helping you stay informed, after all it is all about your child.