What is Silver Diamine Fluoride?

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an odorless, brush-on liquid that contains silver particles and fluoride that’s applied to dental decay. The silver kills the bacteria that cause decay and fluoride helps strengthen the tooth. It is used to help halt the decay, preventing it from getting worse. SDF is applied by a dentist, or other dental provider, directly to cavities with a small brush. It does not work on all cavities, is not an alternative to all dentistry, and sometimes more dental work is needed. Both the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry have recommended SDF as a treatment option for certain areas of dental decay.

 

What are benefits of SDF?

SDF is a noninvasive treatment option for certain cavities and can help stop cavities from getting worse. This can delay or sometimes prevent the need for more invasive treatments such as fillings or extractions. SDF also helps relieve tooth sensitivity. SDF is a fast, easy, and painless treatment—your dentist will not need to use drills or anesthesia injections. SDF may be a good option for people who have trouble with other types of cavity treatments, including for cavities that need more than one treatment, are difficult to treat, or people with limited access to dental care. Very young children, persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities, and older adults may also prefer SDF. Re-application of SDF is recommended every 6 months to stop cavities from getting worse.

 

Is SDF safe?

Yes! There are no known or reported cases of major health risks or severe reactions to SDF. SDF does contain silver, however, so not everyone is a candidate for SDF treatment and should be avoided on individuals who have an allergy to silver, or have current painful sores or raw areas in your mouth.

 

Is there a downside to using SDF?

SDF permanently turns the decayed area black. The dark color means the SDF treatment is working to kill germs and protect the tooth. On children, it is often recommended on the primary teeth, which will eventually fall out in the future.

 

SDF can be used on anyone, but may be especially useful for:

• Children:
  • It can be hard for young children to sit still in order to have cavities filled, and other children may otherwise require hospital dentistry. While this is still sometimes required or preferred, SDF serves as a nice option to try to avoid sedations or further operating room procedures.

• Elderly patients and people with disabilities:
  • Similarly, sometimes it is recommended to do the least invasive treatments for our older patients, or those with disabilities. There are multiple reasons, but often it is due to the inability to stay still or further health concerns that prevents routine dentistry from being recommended. SDF allows them to maintain teeth and halt decay while avoiding the needles or drilling.

 

In Summary:

~SDF has been cleared by the FDA. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of SDF in 2015. In 2017, the FDA granted SDF “breakthrough therapy designation” to stop tooth decay.

~The ADA and AAPD have recommended it as a treatment option for certain areas of dental decay.

~It permanently turns the affected area of the tooth black.

~SDF has been used in other countries for many years.

~It is a noninvasive treatment option for certain areas of decay, especially in patients such as young children, older adults, and those with disabilities.

~To continue halting the decay, SDF application is recommended every 6 months.

~SDF should not be used if you are allergic to silver, or if you have painful sores or raw areas in your mouth at the time.