Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)

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Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)

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Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a cavity fighting liquid compound that has been used in dentistry for many years to treat and prevent tooth decay in children.It contains silver, which has antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria that cause tooth decay, and fluoride, which can help strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to decay.

SDF is a non-invasive and painless treatment option for children with cavities or early signs of tooth decay. It is often used as an alternative to traditional methods of treating cavities, such as drilling and filling. SDF can be especially useful for young children or children with special needs who may have difficulty sitting still for traditional dental procedures.

How do we apply it on the child’s tooth?

The application process for silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is simple and painless. Here are the general steps:

1. We will examine the child’s teeth and identify areas of decay that may be treated with SDF. The affected tooth is thoroughly cleaned and dried.

2. The SDF solution is applied to the decayed area using a small brush or cotton swab. We will ensure that the solution covers the entire decayed area and we may apply more than one layer if necessary.

3. The child will be instructed to avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after the application to allow the SDF to fully penetrate the tooth.

4. We may apply a sealant or fluoride varnish to the treated tooth to further protect it from decay.

5. The child may experience a temporary metallic taste in their mouth after the treatment, which is a common side effect of SDF.

Does it have any side effects?

It is generally well-tolerated by children and has few side effects. However, some children may experience temporary discolouration of the treated tooth (the tooth appears greyish) which is a common side effect of SDF treatment. To mask the colour and to close the open cavity, we usually recommend placing white fillings over the cavity.

It’s important to note that while SDF can be effective in treating and preventing tooth decay, it is not suitable for all types of cavities. Additionally, the child’s overall dental health and hygiene practices will still need to be monitored and maintained to prevent further decay from occurring.

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Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a cavity fighting liquid compound that has been used in dentistry for many years to treat and prevent tooth decay in children.It contains silver, which has antimicrobial properties that can help kill bacteria that cause tooth decay, and fluoride, which can help strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to decay.

SDF is a non-invasive and painless treatment option for children with cavities or early signs of tooth decay. It is often used as an alternative to traditional methods of treating cavities, such as drilling and filling. SDF can be especially useful for young children or children with special needs who may have difficulty sitting still for traditional dental procedures.

How do we apply it on the child’s tooth?

The application process for silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is simple and painless. Here are the general steps:

1. We will examine the child’s teeth and identify areas of decay that may be treated with SDF. The affected tooth is thoroughly cleaned and dried.

2. The SDF solution is applied to the decayed area using a small brush or cotton swab. We will ensure that the solution covers the entire decayed area and we may apply more than one layer if necessary.

3. The child will be instructed to avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after the application to allow the SDF to fully penetrate the tooth.

4. We may apply a sealant or fluoride varnish to the treated tooth to further protect it from decay.

5. The child may experience a temporary metallic taste in their mouth after the treatment, which is a common side effect of SDF.

Does it have any side effects?

It is generally well-tolerated by children and has few side effects. However, some children may experience temporary discolouration of the treated tooth (the tooth appears greyish) which is a common side effect of SDF treatment. To mask the colour and to close the open cavity, we usually recommend placing white fillings over the cavity.

It’s important to note that while SDF can be effective in treating and preventing tooth decay, it is not suitable for all types of cavities. Additionally, the child’s overall dental health and hygiene practices will still need to be monitored and maintained to prevent further decay from occurring.

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