Even
baby teeth can get cavities. The best way to prevent tooth decay is by
starting healthy habits at home. This should include helping your child brush their teeth twice a day and making sure they drink plenty of
fluoridated water.
If your child has a cavity, their pediatrician or dentist may recommend silver diamine fluoride. Silver diamine fluoride is a liquid medication that is applied to cavities. It works fast to stop or slow down cavities.
Silver diamine fluoride is a good option for young children, people with
developmental disabilities and anyone who has
trouble getting oral health care. It is also used to treat sensitive teeth.
How silver diamine fluoride is applied to teeth
Applying silver diamine fluoride to a cavity is quick and painless. It can be applied by your child's pediatrician or dentist. It can be used without local anesthesia. There is no need for numbing shots,
sedation or anesthesia.
The process takes just a few minutes. Here is what to expect:
The tooth with the cavity is cleaned and dried.
A small amount of silver diamine fluoride is applied to the cavity with a brush.
The medication is allowed to absorb into the tooth for about 10 to 60 seconds.
The remaining silver diamine is wiped off with gauze or cotton.
What happens after silver diamine fluoride application?
Silver diamine fluoride dries quickly. Your child will be able to eat and drink after it is applied. If they received silver diamine fluoride and fluoride varnish, they should not eat or drink for 30 minutes after treatment.
Some children notice a metallic taste that lasts about a day. This is normal. After it is applied to the cavity, silver diamine fluoride will permanently stain the cavity black. If it is applied to a baby tooth, the permanent tooth that replaces it will not be stained. Silver diamine fluoride will not stain surrounding teeth. It will only stain a cavity.
If some of the silver diamine gets on your child's gums or lips, it may cause a brown or white stain. This stain will go away within a few weeks. And if your child already has tooth-colored fillings or crowns, they may be temporarily discolored if it gets on them.
Silver diamine fluoride does not replace the need for
your child to visit the dentist. After the treatment, follow up with your child's dentist as soon as you can. If you do not have a dental home, ask your pediatrician to help connect you with a dentist.
The pediatrician or dentist will re-check your child's teeth to confirm that the medication has stopped tooth decay. Silver diamine fluoride can be reapplied, if necessary, in the next three to 12 months.
Sometimes, silver diamine fluoride will not stop the cavity from getting worse and the tooth will need more treatment by a dentist. This could include another type of treatment, a filling or crown, or having the tooth pulled.
Is silver diamine fluoride treatment the best option for my child?
The treatment works best when it is used as part of a cavity prevention plan for your child that includes regular oral health care visits with a dentist.
If a cavity is left untreated, it may get worse. It can lead to your child needing more involved care, such as a filling, crown, having the tooth pulled, or other treatment that would require sedation or general anesthesia.
See a dental professional right away if your child has symptoms such as:
Pain when the tooth is not touched
Pain that wakes them up at night or that lasts longer than 60 seconds after eating or brushing
A swollen face or gums
An infected tooth (even without pain)
Silver diamine treatment should not be used in anyone who is allergic to silver or who has raw or painful sores anywhere in their mouth.
Remember
Your child's oral health is an important part of their overall health. Reach out to your pediatrician or dentist about tips on setting good oral health habits for your child at home.
More information