Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a safe and reliable treatment for children prone to developing cavities. Its unique formula not only arrests decay in its tracks, but studies show that it also prevents future dental caries from forming. If you want to make sure your child’s smile remains better protected as it grows, read on to learn how SDF can be just as effective as dental sealants and other similar preventive solutions.
How Do Dental Sealants Work Versus SDF?
Children who receive dental sealants often require them because they are prone to cavities forming, especially on teeth located in the back of the mouth – the molars and premolars. Because these chewing surfaces contain pits and grooves, food and bacteria can become trapped, resulting in decay and cavities over time.
The application of dental sealants, which are painted onto the top surfaces of teeth, creates a barrier of protection, keeping food and other debris out.
Silver diamine fluoride, on the other hand, can be applied to any tooth, not just those in the back of the mouth. Its topical varnish is applied to existing cavities, so the silver works quickly to stop the progression of decay while also preventing new caries from forming.
What Are Studies Saying About SDF?
In 2023, researchers at New York University conducted a study on the effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride in comparison to dental sealants. Among 3,000 school-aged children, 81% experienced cavity prevention with the help of SDF (82% with dental sealants), and 56% saw cavities arrested with no signs of further progression (46% with dental sealants).
What this means is that SDF is just as effective as dental sealants, which can be good for children whose dentists don’t offer both options. However, many experts in the field believe silver diamine fluoride to be a better method of cavity prevention for a few reasons:
- It can be applied by nurses who work in schools
- It prevents cavities from forming, but also stops existing decay in its tracks
- Its effect is almost immediate
- It is easier to apply than dental sealants
- It is less expensive
If you are unsure which preventive treatment you should choose for your child, trust that either option will help you see positive results. However, if you want to do more than stop current cavities from spreading, SDF is the only way to give your child the protection their smile truly needs.
About the Authors
Dr. Justin Chan and Dr. Sage Yoo are board-certified pediatric dentists. They’re also fathers, so they understand how difficult it can be to make sure children are taking care of their teeth correctly. Since cavities are the most common oral health problem among young patients, they are pleased to provide silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and dental sealants as preventive and restorative solutions. If you want to do more for your child’s smile and minimize their risk of future cavities, visit our website or call (469) 301-3212 to find out how we can help.