Silver Solution: Is SDF Safe for Toddlers?

As your toddler’s guardian, you’re expected to provide for all their physical and emotional needs, including their smile. While it’s easy to believe that their baby teeth aren’t as important, caring for them correctly goes a long way toward preventing tooth decay and gum disease that can impact their overall oral health. One popular method many dentists use to treat cavities is SDF, or silver diamine fluoride. This substance is known to halt enamel erosion in its tracks, but is it safe for young children? Keep reading to find out!

What is SDF?

Silver diamine fluoride is an antibacterial liquid solution that can be applied directly to your kid’s teeth to stop current cavities from spreading and keep new ones from developing. It’s comprised of:

• Silver, to help kill bacteria.
• Water, which is a pH-neutral base.
• Fluoride, to remineralize their enamel.
• Ammonia, which maximizes the concentration’s efficiency.

Typically, it’s used once each year as opposed to the traditional fluoride varnish that sometimes needs 4+ applications per year. It was first approved more than 80 years ago in Japan and in 2014 was approved by the FDA for use in the United States.

What are the Benefits of SDF?

SDF has proven to be more effective than traditional fluoride because it can stop a cavity that’s already developed from spreading any further and can also be used to prevent one from forming to begin with. It helps kill the bacteria that have penetrated your child’s tooth without the need for drilling and cleaning while simultaneously restoring minerals to their enamel. This substance can even form a protective layer over the decayed area to resist acid damage and further erosion.

Is SDF Safe for Children?

This non-invasive treatment is considered safe and is highly effective in managing cavities in children. It’s important to note, however, that it does turn black once it’s been applied. This can impact your child’s appearance, especially when it’s used on a front tooth that everyone can see. If you’re worried about their image, you may want to ask their pediatric dentist about possible alternatives.

Other than this discoloration, SDF doesn’t have negative effects even when used on younger kids. That said, your little one might not be a good candidate if:

• They have a silver allergy.
• They have oral ulcerations or sores.
• They have advanced gum disease.
• Their tooth decay is so advanced that the internal soft tissues are exposed.

If you’re looking for an efficient method to stop your child’s cavity from progressing, contact their dentist to ask about SDF today!

About the Author

Dr. Allen Pearson has provided thousands of children with high-quality dental services for nearly 20 years. He’s a board-certified pediatric dentist who earned his dental degree from the Creighton University School of Dentistry before obtaining his Pediatric Dental Specialty Certificate at the University of Rochester Medical Center and Eastman Dental College. He combines state-of-the-art technology with a compassionate approach to help repair and preserve your child’s smile. If your little one has a cavity and you’re interested in SDF treatment, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (972) 429-7070.