Fluoride helps keep teeth healthy, especially in kids with developing mouths. But what if just brushing and flossing aren’t enough? Some children have trouble reaching every surface, which can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Luckily, there’s a solution beyond fillings: silver diamine fluoride.
The Center for Pediatric Dental Health uses silver diamine fluoride on children’s teeth to halt their cavities and prevent them from spreading further. This solution adds a layer of protection that strengthens the enamel and prevents bacteria from penetrating deeper into the tooth and causing further damage.
What is silver diamine fluoride? Is it safe for all children? When should your child use it? We have the answers you need.
What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
What is silver diamine fluoride (SDF), and how does it help kids’ teeth? Silver diamine fluoride is a solution applied to teeth to remineralize and strengthen tooth enamel. It also kills the bacteria that can cause cavities.
The solution stops small cavities from growing and spreading to other teeth or even other parts of the same tooth. It can be applied to the teeth of children as young as two years old.
It is generally applied to the teeth of kids ages 2-8. That’s because they may have more difficulty brushing their teeth, particularly the back teeth, and they may be more prone to getting cavities. It may also be harder for them to sit still long enough for a traditional dental filling.
The silver diamine fluoride solution comes in a gel or paste. We spread it over the cavity or tooth and let it set. The silver is antibacterial and kills bacteria on the tooth, while the fluoride strengthens the enamel.
Silver Diamine Fluoride Pros and Cons
Fluoride itself has pros and cons. It’s one of the best ways to keep your teeth strong and prevent tooth decay. Fluoride strengthens enamel, the hard outer shell of the tooth that protects the living interior.
The con of fluoride is that too much of it can cause a child to “overdose” on fluoride, which can damage their teeth instead of protecting them. It’s recommended that children don’t use fluoride toothpaste until age 2, then use only a pea-sized amount until about age 4.
Silver diamine fluoride is safe for children ages 2 and up, but it’s not recommended for children any younger than 2.
Here are some other pros and cons of silver diamine fluoride treatments.
Pros of Silver Diamine Fluoride
- It’s a safe treatment with no serious side effects.
- It’s effective in stopping up to 80% of cavities from spreading.
- It’s quick to prep and apply, and it dries in just a few minutes.
- It prevents future cavities in addition to stopping the current ones.
- It’s less expensive than fixing cavities.
Cons of Silver Diamine Fluoride
SDF treatment does have a few disadvantages.
- SDF can stain the treated cavity area dark brown or black, and the color is permanent.
- It can cause temporary gum irritation, but it usually disappears after a day or two.
- It can cause a metallic taste for a day or two.
- It can rarely cause gum or tooth discomfort in those with sensitive teeth.
How Is Silver Diamine Fluoride Applied?
SDF treatment is relatively fast and easy compared to many other dental treatments. It begins with a thorough cleaning of the tooth or teeth being treated. Then, we dry the tooth and prepare to apply the SDF gel.
We use a small brush to apply the silver diamine fluoride to the cavity or weak area of the enamel. We rub the gel into the cavity, then dry and cure it so it soaks into the enamel well. Once the gel is dried and cured, your child is ready to go!
It only takes a few minutes to apply silver diamine fluoride, so it works well for young children and other patients who can’t sit still for long. It’s great for both baby teeth and permanent teeth.
Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment After Care
When can you eat after silver diamine fluoride treatment? It can take several minutes for the fluoride to reach full strength because it must chemically react with saliva. We recommend your child not eat or drink for at least half an hour after any fluoride treatment, including brushing with fluoride toothpaste.
After that half-hour has passed, your child can eat or drink what they like. However, those with sensitive teeth may experience soreness for the first day or so. We recommend they stick to soft foods that aren’t too hot or too cold.
FAQs About Cavities in Children
Is silver diamine fluoride safe for kids?
As with all fluorides, silver diamine fluoride is safe for children ages 2 and up. The treatment itself is also safe for kids, as it only involves applying a gel to the tooth.
Does silver diamine fluoride substitute for fillings?
It can be used for small children who are not ready for fillings and for small cavities, including those in baby teeth. However, larger cavities in older children are likely to do better with fillings.
Does silver diamine fluoride turn teeth black?
It can turn black in the area of the cavity, and the discoloration is permanent. It is one reason some patients prefer fillings, which can be tinted to match the tooth’s natural color.
Does SDF treatment permanently fix a cavity?
No, it does not fill the hole left by the cavity. It can stop the cavity from growing or spreading, but it needs to be reapplied about once a year until the tooth falls out or until the area is restored with a dental filling.
Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatments in Sicklerville, NJ
Pediatric silver diamine fluoride treatments can help stop your child’s cavities from growing or spreading. It’s a quick, easy treatment that is good for small children who can’t sit still for a dental filling.
Is silver diamine fluoride right for your child? The doctors at the Center for Pediatric Dental Health can help figure that out. Schedule an appointment with us if you need silver diamine fluoride treatments in Mount Laurel, Woolrich Township, or Sicklerville, NJ.
