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.

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（經 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.