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Schieck & Smeets Because oral care can always be better

- Silver Diamine Fluoride in the treatment of cavities -

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) contains a high concentration of fluoride. It is effective in arresting tooth decay in children. This is shown by research published in JDR Clinical & Translational Research.

Milk teeth
The aim of the research was to determine, by means of a systematic review, the clinical effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in arresting tooth decay in children. Tooth decay in young children is becoming more common, partly due to increased sugar intake and poor oral hygiene.

Systematic review
After a systematic search of publications using keywords such as “SDF”, “Silver Diamine” and “Silver Fluoride”, the researchers analysed eight published studies in which 38% SDF was used to treat decay in milk teeth. These studies included a total of 6,500 patients and show that a 38% SDF solution is effective in arresting tooth decay in children.

Advantages
In addition, the various studies mention the advantages of using SDF:

  • SDF is more effective than glass ionomer cement or fluoride varnish in preventing tooth decay in milk teeth
  • Decay does not need to be treated first before SDF is used
  • Treatment costs are relatively low
  • Applying SDF requires no advanced instruments or techniques
  • The treatment is painless

Disadvantages

  • The only disadvantage of an SDF treatment is that black spots sometimes appear on the teeth.

Conclusion

Apart from discolouration of the tooth, the studies consulted found no other complications when SDF was used in children. The treatment is non-invasive, no drilling is needed and it requires no advanced instruments or techniques. SDF is therefore very promising because of its strong decay-arresting effect in young children.

Source: JDR Clinical & Translational Research