Silver Diamine Fluoride, SDF, is an alternative treatment for tooth decay under certain conditions. Treatment of children’s deciduous (primary or “baby”) and permanent (“adult”) teeth with silver diamine fluoride is a rather new strategy provided by pediatric dentist Dr. Babich located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side aimed at preventing tooth decay (dental caries) and at arresting existing tooth decay.
What Is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is a bacterial infection, in which bacteria of the oral cavity, the main culprit is Streptococcus mutans, metabolize dietary sugars to sticky polymers that allow them to adhere within a biofilm to the tooth surface. In addition, bacterial metabolism of dietary sugars forms acidic end-products that demineralize (i.e., soften) the enamel, the hard tooth outer surface.
If left unchecked, the bacterial infection will advance, burrowing deeper into the tooth structure, first into the dentin and thereafter to the pulp, which houses nerve endings and blood vessels. Recognizing that tooth decay is a bacterial disease, the strategy behind topical application of silver diamine fluoride to tooth surfaces is to inhibit bacterial growth in existing areas of decay and to prevent the occurrence of areas new decay.
Do you have any questions about the Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) Treatment for kids and teens we offer in NYC? Would you like to schedule an appointment with the best in class New York City pediatric dentist and a top Silver Diamine Fluoride specialist Dr. Sara Babich? Please call our office at 212-988-4070 or visit our kids dentistry NYC center on Upper East Side.