Silver Diamine Fluoride as a Caries Management Option for the Young Child

Authors

Giovana Anovazzi Medeiros DDS, MSc, PhD, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MichiganFollow
Chia-En Tsai DDS, MS, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Pediatric DentistryFollow
Nita Singh DDS, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MichiganFollow
James R. Boynton DDS, MS, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric DentistryFollow

Abstract

Dental caries is among the most-common childhood diseases around the world, and neglected caries can result in pain, infection, and can have a negative cascading impact on a child’s overall well-being. Definitive care of these lesions involves restorative procedures and/or extractions, but these treatment options require some level of child cooperation, which can sometimes be a challenge with very young children.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a non-invasive treatment intended to arrest the caries process. SDF is a liquid solution that contains a high concentration of silver and fluoride ions and has been used as an alternative agent for treating caries, showing effectiveness in arresting caries lesions in primary teeth and reducing the incidence of dental emergencies in childhood. This paper describes the mechanism of action of SDF; considerations and evidence for use; indications and contra-indications including safety considerations; side-effects and adverse events; and describes the sequence of treatment in four clinical cases.

Recommended Citation

Medeiros, Giovana Anovazzi DDS, MSc, PhD; Tsai, Chia-En DDS, MS; Singh, Nita DDS; and Boynton, James R. DDS, MS (2024) "Silver Diamine Fluoride as a Caries Management Option for the Young Child," The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association: Vol. 106: No. 1, Article 3.
Available at: https://commons.ada.org/journalmichigandentalassociation/vol106/iss1/3