New research demonstrates that silver diamine fluoride is as effective as dental sealants in preventing tooth decay among over 4,000 elementary school students, offering a less expensive and quicker application process. This alternative treatment not only prevents cavities but also represents a significant cost-saving measure that can increase access to dental care, particularly in school-based cavity prevention programs.
Dental cavities are the most prevalent chronic disease in children and can lead to pain, school absences, and lower academic performance. To prevent cavities, especially among children less likely to see a dentist, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention supports the use of school sealant programs. In sealant programs, dental professionals visit schools to apply a thin, protective coating to the surface of teeth that hardens and safeguards against decay.
Researchers at NYU College of Dentistry led CariedAway, the nation’s largest school-based cavity prevention study, to compare the use of silver diamine fluoride and traditional sealants. The study included approximately 4,100 children in New York City elementary schools. Credit: Sorel: Courtesy of NYU Photo Bureau
“Most research shows that SDF can stop a cavity from progressing further. Our study demonstrated that SDF can prevent cavities from happening in the first place,” said Tamarinda Barry Godín, DDS, MPH, associate program director and supervising dentist for CariedEmbracing SDF for cavity prevention and treatment in schools could keep kids from needing fillings, saving families and the healthcare system money.
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