A liquid can stop some tooth damage in young children. Its name is silver diamine fluoride, or SDF. A dentist puts it on the damaged area with a tiny sponge. Each tooth takes only seconds. The dentist does not need to drill or give an injection.
Researchers at the University of Michigan led a study of 830 children under 6. Children received the treatment every six months. It stopped damage from getting worse in more than half of the treated baby teeth. But it does not replace missing parts of a tooth.
The treatment has a drawback: it makes damaged areas dark, and this color stays. It also does not work for every hole in a tooth. Some children may still need more dental work later. Without treatment, tooth damage can cause pain, trouble eating, and problems sleeping.
Dentists have used SDF in many countries for decades. In 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration allowed its use for teeth that hurt easily. Dentists also use it to stop tooth damage, but the agency has not approved that use. The study could help the company get that approval.
