A few weeks ago, I took my 5-year-old son to the dentist and learned that there is a new option for preventing and treating tooth decay in children. It’s less invasive, but just as effective as the dreaded drill we all dread.
Now, a new study published in JAMA Pediatrics looks at silver diamine fluoride (SDF), shedding new light on what the treatment is. The good news for parents and kids is that when it comes to a common problem – cavities – the fear factor can be a thing of the past.
First, it’s important to know that cavities occur in about half of all children between the ages of 6 and 19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Phew! My son is not alone in developing what dentists call “cavities,” or tooth decay.
Second, SDF is FDA-approved, according to the American Dental Association, and poses little risk when used on baby teeth. So let’s take a closer look at what this treatment is and whether it’s right for your child.
What does the study tell us about SDF?
The researchers looked at 7,418 children in New York City schools. Each child was assigned either traditional sealants or SDF, followed by a fluoride varnish. In the end, the researchers found that SDF was a non-inferior treatment when used as a primary intervention for dental caries in school-aged children – in other words, just as good.
I spoke with the author of the study Ryan Richard Ruff, PhD, MPH, associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology & Health Promotion at New York University College of Dentistry. As he explains to Parents“Our study suggests that diamine silver fluoride (SDF) can prevent and control caries, with effects similar to dental sealants.”
Dr. Ruff adds, “We are particularly interested in using the SDF as an innovative approach to increase access to dental care for children through school and community-based caries prevention. In fact, our results also suggest that nurses can effectively manage SDF.”
There is even more good news according to Dr. Ruff. “Overall, SDF use has increased in dental practices, with pediatric dentists more likely to use it than general dentists,” he explains. “Additionally, primary care providers—physicians, nurses—are also beginning to use SDF in family medicine practices.”
What does SDF treatment look like?
This all sounds good, but as a parent, you may be wondering what this kind of treatment looks like. Cosmetic and general dentist based in Denver, Colorado Mike Woods, DDS of Signature Dentistry of Arvada, explains to Parents what is involved in SDF treatment.
Assessment: When you bring your child in for a dental checkup, the dentist checks their teeth and looks for any spots that might need SDFs. They may use x-rays or just take a good look.
Friday: Before placing the SDF, the dentist ensures that the tooth is clean by removing the plaque. This makes it easier for the SDF to do its job and protect the tooth.
Application: Using a small brush or applicator, the dentist carefully paints the SDF solution on the necessary areas. This solution contains silver ions that kill bacteria and prevent tooth decay. It also contains fluoride to strengthen the tooth.
PROTECTION: To keep things clean, the dentist may add a special coating such as fluoride varnish or dental sealant to the treated tooth. This helps prevent staining and prevents SDF from seeping into other parts of the mouth.
This is! No drill, no numbing in the area, and no mom in the corner, taking deep breaths and trying not to cry. Only me? In any case, of course, this treatment is not without some possible side effects.
Are there any potential risks with SDF treatment?
The only thing to be aware of when choosing SDF for your child’s treatment plan is that there may be slight staining. “If used to arrest or control tooth decay, it can cause tooth staining when applied to the cavity,” explains Dr. Ruff.
For this reason, SDF is usually used on baby teeth, which are falling out, or on back teeth, where you don’t see the staining. “If it’s used on healthy, healthy teeth to prevent cavities, there’s no stain,” says Dr. Ruff.
Children who have allergies to SDF’s components, silver or fluoride, would not be candidates for the treatment, according to Dr. Woods, who adds, “Children with open sores or ulcers in their mouths may not be good candidates for SDF treatment because of the potential for irritation or discomfort.”
Ultimately, Dr. Ruff says of the SDF, “It’s an attractive alternative, as many children experience fear or pain from the traditional ‘drill and fill’ approach to cavities.”
