Cavities are a pesky and persistent dental problem for children. Fortunately, today, there are a number of ways to combat them, and even new preventive methods being discovered each day! A study published in March of 2024 in JAMA Pediatrics wanted to take a deeper dive into how silver diamine fluoride (SDF), an FDA-approved treatment for dental sensitivity, could actually help prevent cavities. When compared to the go-to treatment of dental sealants, what they found was amazing! Read on to learn more about SDF and how it is being used in different, leading-edge ways in the world of pediatric dentistry.
What is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
Silver diamine fluoride, commonly abbreviated as SDF, is a completely non-invasive method for treating minor cases of tooth decay and sensitivity. The process is simple and short and can possible also eliminate the need for more extensive restorative dentistry, like a filling.
After your child’s pediatric dentist in Leesburg cleans the tooth or teeth for SDF application, they will brush them with SDF liquid. The silver ingredient acts to kill harmful bacteria that lead to cavities, while the fluoride functions as a blockade to prevent, slow, or stop the decay from spreading. Usually, multiple SDF applications are required for the silver and fluoride ingredients to continuously fight the cavity-creating bacteria. You can expect small discolored spots to appear on the treated tooth where the SDF is arresting the decay.
SDF vs. Dental Sealants: How Do They Compare?
While SDF has long been seen as a means of treating cavities and preventing them from resurfacing, dental sealants have been known as the gold standard for preventing cavities from developing.
Oftentimes, SDF is recommended when early signs of decay or dental sensitivity is present. On the other hand, dental sealants are applied before signs of decay have arisen, helping prevent food debris and plaque from packing into the grooves of the molars. Sealants act as a clear, umbrella-like covering over teeth to make brushing more effective and have been shown to stop decay from developing in the first place.
One great way to compare SDF and sealants is that SDF helps put out fires and prevents them from reigniting, while dental sealants keep the fire from even starting!
Can Silver Diamine Fluoride Stop the Development of Cavities?
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics in March 2024 uncovered a new preventive side of SDF. The question researchers investigated was whether SDF was as effective or less effective than dental sealants and restorations at minimizing the presence of cavities in schools. Out of 7,418 students treated with SDF, sealants, and restorations, they found that SDF could be effectively used to help prevent the formation of cavities similar to dental sealants in a school setting.
As SDF and dental sealants are two different treatment options employed in different circumstances, it’s always a good idea to speak with your child’s pediatric dentist to see which one will fit your child’s unique situation. All that to say, the more methods available to protect precious smiles from the threat of decay, the better!
About the Author
Dr. Vani Takiar, also known as Agent T, is passionate about collaborating with parents to make sure their children receive the top-tier dentistry they deserve. She is always open to answering questions parents have, reviewing treatment options and how they can help, and making sure that they come away from their child’s visit feeling confident in the care they received. If you would like to learn more about the difference between silver diamine fluoride and dental sealants, schedule a routine checkup and cleaning for your child today by visiting Tooth Clues’ website, or call 571-799-0559.