Stop Cavities From Spreading - SDF Treatment
Cavities are every parent's nightmare. They not only damage teeth but also causes a lot of pain and discomfort. Dental cavities are one of the most common dental problems in children.
But what are dental cavities?
Dental cavities are tiny black holes in the tooth. These cavities are caused due to bacteria feeding on food particles that suck on the tooth. Sugary foods attract more bacteria that metabolize the sugar into acid and damage the enamel. Over time, the acid eats through the enamel and creates a hole or cavity in the tooth.
If left untreated, cavities would spread in the mouth and damage the nearby teeth, causing pain and discomfort.
But what can be done, especially for children having cavities in their primary teeth? We know the teeth will eventually fall out, but should we let them be? No, this is where SDF treatment comes in.
Let us see what SDF treatment is and how it works:
SDF or Silver Diamine Fluoride is a solution used by dentists to prevent cavities from growing and spreading. The SDF is applied directly onto the tooth that has decayed. The liquid will inhibit the growth of cavity-causing bacteria and prevents further spread.
SDF has shown great success when applied to cavities at an early stage. It is an excellent option for children who have difficulty getting traditional dental treatment.
So, when the SDF solution is applied to the teeth, the fluoride in it re-hardens the soft enamel, and the silver diamine kills the bacteria that causes the cavities. The liquid solutions stay within the teeth and prevent new bacteria from causing cavities.
The treatment is quick but will require 3-4 sittings over two years.
During the treatment, your dentist will perform the following steps:
Firstly your child will be asked to rinse their mouth with water. Then the dentist will apply the SDF liquid with a small applicator to the cavity area. The cavity will then darken to nearly black permanently within seconds. The process is painless, but It might cause minor irritation on the gums, but that is temporary. After the treatment, your child can eat and drink normally.
Being a parent, you might be worried about its safety and effectiveness as you always want the best for your kid. The process is safe and effective for your children.
It is always a good idea to let the primary teeth fall out naturally rather than due to a cavity of infection. SDF treatment helps with the same. At Little Krishna Children Dental clinic in Mira Road, you can connect with our Pediatric dentist to get answers to your questions.