New Study Suggests Silver Diamine Fluoride Stops Cavities Without Drilling

A treatment applied topically to teeth can stop cavities without drilling, according to new research. The substance, known as silver diamine fluoride (SDF), was studied for its effectiveness in young children, with results suggesting it can halt tooth decay.

The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics and involving over 800 children under age six, found that SDF stopped cavities in more than half of the participants' baby teeth when applied every six months. This method offers an alternative to traditional drilling and filling procedures.

Globally, SDF has been used for years and was approved in the U.S. in 2014 for tooth sensitivity. While not formally approved for cavity treatment in the U.S., dentists have used it off-label. The research, a collaboration between the University of Michigan, NYU College of Dentistry, and the University of Iowa, could pave the way for FDA approval for cavity treatment.

"From a public health perspective, if we want broader implementation across the United States, including in medical settings, we need carefully collected data in U.S. populations, and we now have that," stated Margherita Fontana, lead researcher and professor at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. The findings could significantly benefit children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with dental anxiety.

Experts suggest that SDF could arrest decay, stop infection, and alleviate pain, potentially offering a less invasive and more accessible solution for managing dental health. The research supports the potential for SDF's FDA approval as a cavity management treatment, particularly for young children.