WASHINGTON: A major US clinical trial has found that 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a safe, effective and low-cost treatment for tooth decay in young children, potentially reducing the need for drilling, fillings and general anesthesia.
The Phase III clinical trial, led by the University of Michigan and involving researchers from universities in New York and Iowa, enrolled 830 children under the age of six. The findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal JAMA Pediatrics.
Researchers found that applying the SDF solution directly to decayed teeth every six months successfully halted cavity progression in more than half of the affected baby teeth. The treatment takes only a few seconds and does not require injections, drilling or surgery.
Lead researcher Professor Margherita Fontana of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry said the treatment proved safe and effective even for children as young as one year old, offering a less invasive alternative to conventional dental procedures.
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Experts say that if the treatment receives broader regulatory approval for managing childhood tooth decay, it could make dental care more accessible, affordable and less stressful, particularly for young children who often require sedation or general anesthesia for traditional treatment.
