Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a revolutionary dental treatment that can be used to effectively treat and halt the progression of tooth decay. Of course, every parent would like to offer their child the best and least invasive treatment, but is SDF actually safe for kids?
Here's everything you need to know about silver diamine fluoride.
Silver diamine fluoride or SDF is an antibacterial liquid solution used to treat and prevent tooth decay.
The application of SDF can help bypass other more invasive treatments. It's been shown that silver diamine fluoride can be very effective at stopping the progression of tooth decay.
However, SDF can't be used to restore a tooth. Your child would still need to undergo restorative treatment if the cavity is too large, but SDF can halt the progression of tooth decay.
Let's look at how SDF works and how it's applied by the dentist.
As we already said, SDF has an antibacterial effect, meaning that it kills and prevents the growth of new bacteria, reducing the progress of cavities.
The fluoride in SDF helps in the re-mineralization of the tooth structure. Moreover, the silver in SDF will react with the decayed tooth structure to form a protective layer. This layer is resistant to acid and helps to protect the underlying tooth structure from further decay.
SFD is a liquid medication so the pediatric dentist will use a brush to "paint" the treatment over the affected area. Then the treatment is left to dry for a couple of minutes. Your child may complain of a metallic taste in their mouth and may experience some gum irritation that will go away in a few days.
The promise of non-invasive treatment that doesn't require any drilling or needles is certainly appealing, but is SDF safe for children?
SDF is generally considered safe and has been proven to be effective in managing cavities in children.
That said, there's one important thing to consider.
One of the major drawbacks of SDF is that it turns the areas of the tooth where it's applied black. While this discoloration doesn't have any health effects, it can be a cosmetic concern, especially if it's applied to a front tooth.
SDF can be used in children of all ages. Dr. Lindsey Rodriguez will examine your little one's oral health, talk about their medical history and past dental experiences and determine if SDF is the right treatment option for them.
If you would like to learn more about SDF or just schedule an initial consultation at Limestone Pediatric Dentistry for your child, you can get in touch with us online or call us at (256) 434-5667.
