Silver Diamine Fluoride In Windermere

You may have heard conflicting information about fluoride over the past few years, but as your pediatric dentist at Parkview Kids Dental & Orthodontics in Windermere, we know that along with calcium and phosphate, fluoride is critical for healthy teeth.

Some of the products we use on our teeth have fluoride in them. Some cities even have fluoride added to their water supply, to help boost the amount of the mineral we get. But in some places, that doesn’t happen anymore. This could cause problems, but silver diamine fluoride treatments can help. This is how it works.

Silver diamine fluoride is more than just fluoride. In fact, it’s a combination of silver, water, ammonia, and fluoride. This combination helps to kill bacteria that causes infections, and at the same time rebuilds teeth in a process known as remineralization.

Silver diamine fluoride or SDF is applied in a liquid solution, usually around the area where you are developing a cavity. The area is carefully cleaned, rinsed, and dried. Cotton balls may be used to keep saliva from the area, and then the SDF is applied.

In some cases, SDF can be used in place of traditional cavity treatment, although your dentist will assess the damage before this is recommended.

Interestingly, research shows that when silver diamine fluoride is applied to healthy teeth, it can help rebuild weak areas of the tooth.

Silver diamine fluoride can help to strength healthy teeth, but it can also help to slow or stop the progression of early tooth decay.

This kind of treatment is especially helpful for people who have early signs of damage, or who might not be able to get to the dentist as frequently as they would like to. It is a long-lasting treatment and helps to prevent future problems.

SDF treatment is considered safe for all ages, but it’s always a good idea to discuss with your dentist whether it’s a viable option for you. There are some people – for instance, those with silver allergies – for whom this option is not recommended.