Silver Diamine Fluoride: The Better Choice for Your Kids

At Bay Area Kids Dentist, we know how important it is for parents to access safe and effective dental care for their children. That’s why we offer silver diamine fluoride, a breakthrough in kids’ dental care.

 

If you’re looking for an effortless way to ensure that your child’s teeth stay healthy and strong, silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is the perfect solution. With SDF treatment from Bay Area Kids Dentist, parents can rest assured that their children’s smiles remain polished and healthy from the start! Investing in preventive dentistry now can save time and money by helping you avoid costly restorative measures in the future.

 

Reach out to us today to learn more about how silver diamine fluoride can help protect your child’s teeth and give them the beautiful smile they deserve.

Young girl smiling in dentist chair

What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride?

Silver diamine fluoride, often abbreviated as SDF, is a specialized form of dental fluoride. It consists of a blend of organically bound silver, water, ammonia, and fluoride.

In Japan, silver diamine fluoride has been used for over 80 years. It is now gaining popularity in the United States as more and more parents recognize the benefits of this revolutionary preventive dentistry technique.

In 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration approved silver diamine fluoride as a dental treatment for adults and children.

How Does Silver Diamine Fluoride Work?

A liquid form of silver diamine fluoride is applied to the teeth in a simple, non-invasive procedure. Here are the steps typically taken during a silver diamine fluoride treatment:

  1. Cotton or gauze is placed near the teeth to keep saliva away from the area.
  2. The dentist will then vacuum any moisture and excess saliva away.
  3. Using a micro brush, the dentist will carefully apply the silver diamine fluoride to each tooth cavity.
  4. The dentist will then rub SDF into the teeth for about one minute.
  5. The tooth will be air-dried to ensure the SDF has adhered to the tooth.
  6. Finally, light curing is used to make sure the SDF has hardened.

Benefits of Silver Diamine Fluoride

Oral health is a priority for any family, but especially for those with young children. Silver diamine fluoride has proven to offer the advantage of stronger enamel and improved oral hygiene for their children. Below are just some of the benefits of silver diamine fluoride.

Cost Effective

Unlike other forms of preventive dentistry, silver diamine fluoride is relatively inexpensive and requires no special equipment or added materials. This makes it a cost-effective solution for parents who want to ensure their children receive the best dental care possible.

 

On average, the cost for an SDF application ranges from $20 to $25 per tooth.

Non-invasive and Quick

Since toddlers and young children can be easily overwhelmed by more complex, invasive dental procedures, silver diamine fluoride is an excellent option for parents. The process is quick and painless, and the patient will not feel any discomfort during or after the application of SDF.

Long-lasting Protection

SDF is an effective protective barrier that safeguards your child’s teeth from bacterial growth and food particles resulting in tooth decay. This ensures a healthy set of solid teeth for many years to come!

With this extra protection, you can avoid more costly dental treatments in the future, such as fillings and crowns.

Safe

Lastly, silver diamine fluoride is entirely safe for children and adults. It is made with natural ingredients, so no harsh chemicals or additives could harm your child’s health.

Side Effects of Silver Diamine Fluoride

While SDF is perfectly safe, some mild side effects may occur. These include:

  • Tooth discoloration and staining: SDF can cause teeth to become slightly discolored or stained. However, this should not be an issue since young children will eventually lose their baby teeth.
  • Tissue staining: The lips and gums can sometimes be stained by the SDF, but this is temporary and will fade in a few days.
  • Mild irritation: Some mild irritation may occur around the area treated with SDF, but this should go away shortly. Kids with mouth ulcers, open cuts, and sores should avoid the application of silver diamine fluoride.
  • Allergies: If your child has an allergy to any of the ingredients in SDF, it is essential to tell your dentist before the treatment

Is SDF Right for My Child?

Are you still unsure if silver diamine fluoride is suitable for your child? Below are some scenarios that may help you decide.

Parents With Babies and Toddlers

Since SDF does not require sedation and is a non-invasive procedure, it is an ideal choice for young children who cannot sit still for extended periods. In addition, the treatment is relatively short, so even the most active of toddlers will be done in a matter of minutes.

Children With Multiple Dental Decay

Silver diamine fluoride can be a saving grace for young children enduring long, arduous filling procedures. Not only does this treatment prevent cavities from forming and reduce the need for fillings altogether, but it’s powerful enough to cover up to eight teeth simultaneously! That means that much more area of their tiny mouths is kept safe compared to other treatments — perfect for kids with multiple cavities in various spaces.

Genetics

If your child has a family history of tooth decay or weak enamel, silver diamine fluoride may be the ideal choice. This treatment will provide an extra layer of protection that can prevent further future damage.

 

Regardless of your scenario, it is always important to speak with your child’s dentist before deciding on a treatment. Educate yourself on the procedure and discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your child’s dentist, so you can make an informed decision that is best for your family

How Bay Area Kids Dentists Can Help with SDF Treatments

Getting a cavity filled or managing tooth decay can be stressful for you and your children. Fortunately, Bay Area Kids Dentist is here to make dental treatments painless and stress-free.

 

The experienced staff provides a variety of treatments, including those for silver diamine fluoride (SDF), which helps stop the progression of cavities in children. Using SDF treatment, dentists can seal off decayed teeth in just one appointment with no need for anesthesia or drilling, so your child gets the care they need quickly and comfortably! This makes it easier for you to keep up with regular check-ups and keep an eye on intricate oral health conditions that can arise.

 

Best of all, the friendly dentists at Bay Area Kids Dentist want your visit to be as fun as possible — they take great care to deliver a positive experience at each step. Book an appointment today to learn how Bay Area Kids Dentist can help improve your child’s oral health!

Other Dental Services We Offer

At Bay Area Kids Dentist, we focus on preventive care to keep your child’s teeth healthy. Along with SDF treatments, our experienced staff is dedicated to providing various other services for kids to ensure their dental health stays in perfect condition over time. These include:

  • Check-ups and Cleanings: Our friendly staff will check your child’s teeth and gums for any signs of decay or problems. We also perform professional cleanings to keep their teeth sparkling.
  • Sealants: Our dentists can protect your child’s teeth from damage caused by plaque and bacteria. Sealants create a barrier on the surface of teeth to keep them healthy and free from decay.
  • Pediatric Emergency Dental Care: From toothaches to broken teeth, Bay Area Kids Dentist is here to help with any dental emergency your child may have. Our team will give the best care available, so your child can get back to feeling their best as soon as possible.
  • Sedation Dentistry: If your child is incredibly anxious when going to the dentist, our team provides various sedation methods to help them relax during their appointment.

Other Bay Area Kids Dentist services include tooth crowns, extractions, and fillings. No matter what type of treatment you’re looking for, you can count on Bay Area Kids Dentist to provide the best care for your child. Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.