A quick liquid treatment could help young children avoid drilling and injections for some cavities. Called silver diamine fluoride, or SDF, it takes only seconds to apply to each affected tooth. Dentists paint it onto the damaged area using a tiny sponge-tipped tool.
A University of Michigan-led trial included 830 children younger than 6. Researchers found that treatment every six months stopped decay in more than half of the affected baby teeth. Published in JAMA Pediatrics, the study tested a solution containing 38% SDF. The treatment stops damage from progressing rather than replacing lost tooth material.
Its main drawback is that it permanently darkens the decayed area, which can be especially noticeable on front teeth. SDF is not suitable for every cavity, and patients may still need dental work later. However, controlling decay could help prevent pain, infections, and difficulty eating or sleeping.
Dentists have used SDF in many countries for decades. The US Food and Drug Administration approved it for tooth sensitivity in 2014, but its use against cavities remains outside that approval. The trial provides evidence the manufacturer can use to seek approval for treating decay. Researchers say wider acceptance could also help children receive treatment in medical offices before they see a dentist.
