Is Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment Safe for My Child?

If your child’s tooth has a cavity forming, it’s natural that you’d want to stop it in its tracks using the least invasive method possible. Conservative dental treatments preserve more of the natural tooth structure, so it remains strong and healthy for as long as possible, allowing it to stay in place until it’s ready to fall out naturally.  Although not yet a household name, one treatment, silver diamine fluoride (SDF), is gaining popularity for doing just that: preventing cavities from worsening while protecting the tooth from further damage, all without the need for removing and replacing damaged enamel. Here’s a closer look at SDF, and what you can expect if your child receives it.

What is Silver Diamine Fluoride?

Silver diamine fluoride is an FDA approved treatment that is designed to protect against the damaging effects of tooth decay and prevent the worsening of existing cavities. It is brushed on the teeth with a small paintbrush and in moments will air dry, allowing it to penetrate the tooth, strengthening it while it creates a barrier against harmful bacteria. Not only is the treatment itself completely painless, but it can prevent the need for more invasive and uncomfortable restorations like fillings and pulp therapy.

How Can Silver Diamine Fluoride Help My Child’s Teeth?

Silver diamine fluoride can benefit your child’s teeth in many ways, including preventing the worsening of forming decay, protecting the tooth from new decay, and eliminating the need for drilling the enamel and replacing it with a filling. It can also shield teeth against the need for more intensive treatments like tooth extractions.

How Safe is Silver Diamine Fluoride?

Silver diamine fluoride is a completely safe, FDA approved way to treat cavities. Not only is it painless, but it also helps keep your child’s treated teeth stronger and healthier. Please be aware, however, that not every smile is good fit for SDF. Children who are severely allergic to silver or who have asthma should not receive silver diamine fluoride treatment. Furthermore, it is not recommended for patients who have exposed pulp or teeth that are too close to composite resin restorations.

It is important to understand that once applied, silver diamine fluoride will leave a permanent black or dark brown stain on your child’s teeth where the decay is forming. This tells their pediatric dentist that the treatment is working, and while it may not look as nice as a solid white tooth, most patients find it much preferred to needing dental fillings or other more invasive restorations.

Remember, silver diamine fluoride is a fast and effective way to prevent cavities and protect your child’s teeth from decay without the need for more invasive options like fillings, extractions, or pulp therapy. If you’d like to learn more about this painless, efficient treatment, speak to your pediatric dentist today!

About Dr. Pearson

Dr. Allen Pearson earned his dental doctorate from the Creighton University School of Dentistry and his Pediatric Dental Specialty Certificate at the University of Rochester Medical Center and Eastman Dental College. He is proud to offer a variety of conservative dental treatments for children of all ages, including silver diamine fluoride. To schedule a consultation for SDF for your child at Wylie Children’s Dentistry, visit our website or call us today at 972-429-7070.