A study tested a liquid called silver diamine fluoride, or SDF, on 830 children under six. Researchers at the University of Michigan led the study. Dentists put the liquid on damaged baby teeth every six months. It stopped the damage from getting worse in more than half of these teeth.
Dentists use a very small sponge to put the liquid on a tooth. This takes only seconds for each tooth. They do not need to drill, give injections or use medicine to make the child sleepy. The treatment may help young children avoid pain and more difficult dental care.
But the liquid makes the damaged part of the tooth dark forever. It also does not replace missing parts of a tooth. It cannot treat every hole in a tooth. Some children may still need more dental work later.
Dentists in many countries have used SDF for many years. In 2014, US health officials allowed its use for teeth that hurt easily, but not specifically for stopping tooth damage. Dentists also use it for this second purpose, and the new study could help the maker get official permission for that use. This could help more people get the treatment.
