How can silver diamine fluoride help my child’s smile?

It may be surprising to know that roughly 20% of children ages 2 to 5 and 45% of children 6 to 11 are affected by tooth decay. Unfortunately, cavities do not just “go away“; they only get larger if left untreated. Sadly, young children may not have the patience or ability to sit through a potentially long dental appointment in order to restore dental health. This is where SDF (Silver Diamine Fluoride) comes in.

SDF is a liquid that is painlessly brushed onto the decayed area of a tooth causes the cavity to harden and essentially stops the progression of decay. This will allow time for your young child to mature until he or she is older and more capable of sitting through a filling appointment. Keep in mind that SDF blackens the decayed part of the tooth, leaving it discolored. The dentists at smiles4children will closely monitor the tooth to ensure that the cavity has indeed stopped growing and then decide on a timeline to either continue to place SDF or plan for a filling.

How does SDF work?

The silver acts as an anti-microbial that results in the breakdown of the germs that cause cavities, and the fluoride promotes remineralization (rebuilding) of the broken-down tooth structure.

The ease of application, low cost, and success of treatment to prevent the progression of decay make this an ideal option for cavities in the very young child.

While brushing twice a day and flossing is the best way to keep little teeth healthy, cavities do happen. Be sure to discuss with the doctors at smiles4children if SDF is right for your little one.

At smiles4children, we have seen great success in using silver diamine fluoride. Our dentists combine SDF with other preventive measures like good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. This helps us keep our patients’ smiles healthy and bright! We also recommend that our patients do their part by brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, eating nutrient-rich foods, and avoiding sugary drinks and snacks. With these preventive measures in place, SDF can help keep cavities at bay!

Will my child benefit from silver diamine fluoride treatments?

The best way to decide if your child is a good fit for SDF treatment is to book an appointment at one of our several  Maryland area practices. 

Catonsville (410) 788-4555, Ellicott City (410) 203-2410,  Eldersburg (410) 549-1212