What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride?

Tooth decay is still a major problem for today’s children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 13% of children between the ages of five and nine have at least one untreated cavity.

Treating your children’s cavities before they get too large can save you money and protect them from more invasive and aggressive dental treatment in the future. At Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics, our dentist, Dr. Nathalie Phaeton, and orthodontist, Dr. Ki Youn Kil, offer silver diamine fluoride treatments and a range of other pediatric dentistry services at our office in Falls Church, Virginia.

What is silver diamine fluoride?

Silver diamine fluoride is a liquid solution of silver, fluoride, water, and ammonia that’s applied to a cavity to prevent it from growing and spreading to other teeth. Like sealants, it’s applied topically and completed in a single appointment. Silver diamine fluoride also kills cavity-causing bacteria, so it provides protection from cavity formation as well. The fluoride helps to remineralize teeth that have been damaged by decay.

Depending on the size of the cavity and degree of tooth decay, silver diamine fluoride treatments can be a gentle and noninvasive alternative to regular dental fillings, which usually require drilling and can be especially uncomfortable for children with tooth sensitivity issues.

Most kids only need one silver diamine fluoride treatment per year to help prevent new cavities and control established ones from growing.

Is silver diamine fluoride safe?

Silver diamine fluoride is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and classified as safe and effective for preventing cavities and treating decay. The compound has been used around the world for over 80 years..

When should you get silver diamine fluoride treatments?

If your child already has a cavity, Dr. Phaeton may recommend a silver diamine fluoride treatment to neutralize and stop the decay from progressing. But you don’t have to wait until a cavity develops for your child to get a treatment. It also works as a preventive measure to keep cavities from forming in the first place, which is especially ideal for younger children and those nervous or afraid of more invasive dental treatments and tools. Silver diamine fluoride treatments don’t involve any drilling, so your child won’t need anesthesia. 

It’s a quick and effective way to boost your child’s dental health.

For more information about silver diamine fluoride treatments and how they can protect your child’s teeth from tooth decay, call us at 703-498-2440 today, or schedule an appointment online.