No drilling needed: large trial finds silver diamine fluoride stopped decay in over half of affected baby teeth
A phase III trial led by the University of Michigan with 830 children under six found that brushing 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) onto cavities every six months stopped decay in more than half of affected baby teeth. It takes seconds per tooth with no drilling, injections or sedation. The drawback: the treated area turns permanently black. Published in JAMA Pediatrics.
What it means for you
For young or anxious children who struggle with fillings, SDF is an option to discuss with a dentist, accepting black staining and repeat applications.
Editors' take: the background
In silver diamine fluoride (SDF), the silver kills bacteria and the fluoride helps the tooth remineralise. Together they stop decay progressing, but they do not rebuild what has been lost, so the treated area turns black and the lost tooth structure is not restored.
SDF is useful for controlling decay and buying time, for example when a child is too young to cope with a filling. Whether a filling is needed later is something to discuss with the dentist.
Key points
- Applied every six months; decay stopped in over half of teeth
- No drilling, injections or sedation
- Treated spots turn permanently black
- A dentist decides if it suits your child
Source: JAMA Pediatrics (via ScienceDaily)
This is a news summary written by our editors, not medical advice. Please refer to the original source and seek professional advice for your own situation.
Questions readers ask
Can the black staining be dealt with later?
The staining does not fade on its own. If it is on a front tooth and appearance matters, ask the dentist whether a filling could cover it later.
Is SDF used for adults?
Yes, for example to control decay on exposed roots. A dentist needs to assess whether it suits you.
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