Drill free treatment for children’s tooth decay

A major study in the United States has found that silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a safe low cost and effective way to treat tooth decay in young children.

The treatment could help thousands of children avoid painful dental drilling and general anesthesia.

The study found that a 38% silver diamine fluoride solution can be applied to the affected tooth in just a few seconds.  The liquid helps stop tooth decay from getting worse without the need for injections drilling or surgery.

The Phase 3 clinical trial was led by the University of Michigan and included 830 children under the age of six.

Researchers from universities in New York and Iowa also took part in the study. The findings were published in the medical journal JAMA Pediatrics.

Researchers discovered that applying SDF every six months successfully stopped tooth decay in more than half of the affected baby teeth.

Unlike traditional dental treatment this method does not require removing part of the tooth or placing a filling.

Instead the liquid is simply painted onto the decayed area.

Professor Margarita Fontana from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry who led the research said the treatment was found to be safe and effective even for children as young as one year old.

Experts believe that if SDF receives full approval as a standard treatment for tooth decay it could make dental care easier less expensive and far less stressful for young children and their families.