Tooth decay is a global menace; it’s estimated that over 2 billion people worldwide suffer from it—and about a quarter of this figure includes children! That said, if you’re familiar with tooth decay, you should know that it can lead to all kinds of oral health issues that can affect both you and your child; however, there are several ways to combat it. Now, options like silver diamine fluoride have emerged as viable solutions. Here’s what you need to know about this option and how your child’s dental health can benefit from it.
What Exactly Is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
Often abbreviated as “SDF,” silver diamine fluoride can be used to prevent or stop the spread of tooth decay. It’s composed of silver, which helps to kill bacteria, as well as water, ammonia, and fluoride, which is a naturally occurring mineral with notable oral health benefits. SDF can be applied topically to the surface of teeth, essentially acting as a sealant to safeguard healthy teeth from decay.
These days, more dentists are favoring SDF due to the simplicity of the application process, as well as the fact that it eliminates the need for invasive treatment of existing cavities. It’s also a safe form of treatment for children – which is always the main emphasis when it comes to pediatric dentistry.
How Does SDF Assist with Preventing Cavities?
SDF has been proven to be much more successful at reducing cavity growth than traditional fluoride varnishes. A recent study from New York University looked into the effects of SDF on children; the results showed that out of the 3,000 children who received SDF, the treatment was able to prevent around 81% of cavities, while also halting about 56% of existing cavities from worsening. This study helps to illustrate the massive difference in results when it comes to the prevention and control of tooth decay.
Another benefit of SDF is that it also requires fewer total treatments over time. Most dentists only apply SDF once per year, whereas varnishes often require multiple applications annually to remain effective.
Is SDF Right for My Child?
Keep in mind that every child requires their own personalized dental treatment plan, and SDF might not always be the best option. Children with silver allergies are not good candidates, as are patients with tooth decay that’s advanced to the point where the pulp has been severely affected. SDF has been known to cause teeth discoloration when resolving areas of decay; however, when applied to baby teeth, the permanent teeth that later replace them will not be stained.
The bottom line is that SDF can help kill the cavity-causing bacteria that break down tooth surfaces, while also keeping them from spreading to other teeth. Be sure to speak with your child’s dentist during their visit to see if SDF is a viable option for them!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Roel Valadez, Jr., the talented team at Advanced Dental Care of South Texas has proudly served families in Alice and the surrounding area for several years, proudly offering a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic services. If you have any questions about the blog, or you’d like to get in touch with the office to schedule a visit for yourself or a loved one, please feel free to reach out online or by phone for more information. Telephone: (361) 664-3057.