Silver diamine fluoride was approved by Health Canada in 2017. It is a product with proven effectiveness in preventing or stopping cavities. This product is particularly used in pediatric dentistry, as children's teeth are less resistant and more vulnerable to bacterial attacks. Find out when and how silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is used in pediatric dentistry.
What is silver diamine fluoride?
In some countries, including Japan, the FDA has been used in dentistry for several decades. It is a colorless solution, consisting of fluoride, silver fluoride and ammonium fluoride. These elements are in a specific concentration and are mixed with water.
Application du FDA
Its application is relatively simple and requires a few steps. First, the tooth is isolated to prevent the product from encountering the soft tissues of the mouth. Afterwards, the tooth is dried, and a small drop is applied, which is then spread with a micro brush.
Why is it used?
The SDF's effectiveness is recognized for two uses in dentistry.
- Preventing tooth sensitivity: The product acts as a kind of varnish that partially blocks the dentinal tubules. This reduces the sensitivity of teeth to hot, cold and acidic foods.
- Stop the progression of tooth decay: When applied to a carie lesion, the SDF's silver fluoride compounds will enter the tooth enamel and dentin that is affected by tooth decay. Silver then forms a protective layer in dental structures to increase their resistance to aggression from the bacteria that cause cavities. In addition, silver has an antimicrobial effect, while fluoride allows remineralization of the tooth.
Use in pediatric dentistry
The use of the SDF is of particular importance in pediatric dentistry. In fact, the dentition of young children is less resistant those of adults. As a result, their teeth are more vulnerable to bacterial aggression and tooth decay. In some more severe cases, the early tooth decay can quickly spread to several teeth when it is not treated.
In this sense, the use of the SDF is a non-invasive method to slow the progression of tooth decay. Its application is much easier to tolerate than the traditional methods used to treat cavities (milling and filling). This applies particularly to young children, but also to people with disabilities and seniors. There is no contraindication to SDF application, except in the case of a silver allergy.
The more you know!
It is important to consider that the application of SDF to teeth results in black spots at the location of the decay. This occurs because the silver causes a reaction within the enamel and dentin of the treated tooth, which causes them to blacken. Before using this product, these effects are always mentioned to parents and a consent form is signed, as this is an aesthetic inconvenience to consider. Nevertheless, a potassium iodide solution can be applied to the tooth after the SDF to reduce the color of the stain. The treated tooth can also be covered with a composite veneer.
The Dents Mon Quartier team is proud to offer this additional service to its young patients. We are always ready to welcome your children and provide them with all the dental care they need through our pediatric dentistry service in LaSalle.
Approved by Dre Charouk
Dr. Joumana Charouk, D.M.D, is proud to offer her patients exceptional care that combines experience, efficiency and good humor.
Dre Joumana Charouk, D.M.D