When are black baby teeth in children a good thing? After a silver diamine fluoride treatment. SDF is a safe and effective way to stop tooth decay and protect teeth, says Dr. Tim Wright of UNC-Chapel Hill’s Department of Pediatric Dentistry. In use in Brazil and Japan since the 1970s, a 2015 addition to the US oral health scene, and recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry since 2017, SDF safely and reliably stops tooth decay. “Early treatment with silver diamine fluoride may help prevent children needing emergency root canals and extractions due to uncontrolled tooth decay,” Wright explained. “Children can have a quick, easy treatment in just a few minutes.”
The Benefits of Silver Diamine Fluoride
- It’s fast...just five minutes in a dentist’s office.
- It’s easy. Similar to fluoride varnish, the solution is painted on the teeth and allowed to dry.
- It’s safe. There’s no sedation and no hospitalization, which can be dangerous for very small children.
- It’s cost-effective. Hospitals and surgery are expensive. SDF is affordable and covered by NC Medicaid. Stopping the tooth decay process may help reduce the likelihood of needing more aggressive and expensive therapies that may require sedation, such as root canals and extractions.
- It’s painless. SDF is painted on the cavities in children’s teeth–there are no shots, no drilling for fillings, and no digging at sensitive teeth.
- It helps. Stopping tooth decay with SDF may prevent infection and tooth ache pain. Tooth decay hurts, affecting a child’s ability to eat, grow, talk, learn, play, sleep and smile.
- It’s everywhere. More and more dental offices are providing the service, and more and more children are getting the treatment.
- It works. SDF stops tooth decay.
To Dr. Wright, SDF is a big win for children and families, right up there with brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste two times a day for two minutes. “The upside is, this procedure stops tooth decay and may help reduce the need for emergency hospital visits. The downside is, the teeth turn black. I feel this is a real game-changer, and yet another tool in the effective management of the disease of tooth decay, along with treatments to repair or restore damaged teeth. The number one message when you see black baby teeth is: These parents care about their children’s teeth and want to stop tooth decay.”
