A U.S. clinical trial has revealed the efficacy of a low-cost liquid in stopping tooth decay in more than half of affected primary (baby) teeth without the need for drilling, injections, or anesthesia, according to Science Daily.
اضافة اعلان
The study, led by the University of Michigan and published in the prestigious journal JAMA Pediatrics, involved approximately 830 children under six years of age across three U.S. states: Michigan, New York, and Iowa.
How Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) Works
The new treatment uses Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), applied directly onto the decayed area using a small sponge-tipped applicator—a process taking only a few seconds per tooth.
Unlike traditional cavity treatments that require drilling the tooth, removing decayed tissue, and placing a filling, SDF requires no removal of dental tissue and halts the progression of decay in place.
Researchers found that a 38% concentration of SDF, when applied every six months, successfully stopped decay in over half of the affected primary teeth among participating children.
"This is an extremely effective and safe treatment, even for one-year-olds," said Dr. Margherita Fontana, professor of dentistry at the University of Michigan and lead researcher of the study.
Addressing a Widespread Problem
Untreated tooth decay extends beyond dental health, often leading to severe pain, recurring infections, difficulty sleeping and eating, school absenteeism, and emergency room visits that cannot resolve the underlying issue—sometimes forcing children to undergo surgery under general anesthesia.
Researchers believe this treatment could prove particularly beneficial for groups who face challenges receiving traditional dental care, including:
Very young children
The elderly
Individuals with physical or developmental disabilities
Patients with severe dental phobia
Populations living in underserved areas lacking advanced dental services
Cosmetic Trade-off & Practical Potential
The treatment does come with a visual drawback: the silver in the formulation permanently turns the decayed portion of the tooth dark. However, researchers emphasize that this aesthetic trade-off is acceptable in exchange for eliminating pain, stopping infection, and avoiding surgery—especially for primary teeth that naturally shed over time.
While SDF has been used successfully in several countries for decades and off-label in the U.S. since 2014 to reduce tooth sensitivity, this new study provides the rigorous clinical evidence needed to support official FDA approval for treating dental caries.
For young children, applying SDF every few months may suffice to manage decay until baby teeth fall out naturally. For adults, it can serve as a long-term treatment or offer temporary protection until traditional restorative work (such as fillings or crowns) becomes feasible or affordable.
Source: (citing Science Daily & Al Mayadeen)
