cavities

Silver diamine fluoride, or SDF, is a liquid that is used to help prevent and treat cavities in children's teeth. At our pediatric dental office, we use SDF as a non-invasive alternative to traditional fillings for small cavities. SDF works by penetrating the tooth's surface and hardening the tooth structure. It also has antimicrobial properties that help to kill bacteria that cause cavities. The silver component of SDF helps to stop the spread of decay, while the fluoride component helps to remineralize the tooth, making it stronger and more resistant to future decay.

One of the benefits of using SDF is that it is a non-invasive treatment option. Traditional fillings require drilling and removing tooth structure, which can be uncomfortable and traumatic for children. With SDF, the tooth structure is left intact, and the treatment can be completed quickly and painlessly.

Another benefit is that SDF can be used as a preventive treatment, helping to stop cavities from getting worse and prevent new cavities from forming. It's also a great option for children who have difficulty cooperating during dental procedures, as it can be applied quickly and without the need for local anesthetics.

It's important to note that SDF is not suitable for every case and it does have some limitations. It's not recommended for cavities that have progressed too far, or for teeth that have large fillings, crowns or root canal treatments. Additionally, SDF can cause black discoloration of the treated tooth, so it may pose an esthetic concern for parents.

It's important to have a detailed conversation with your child's dentist to determine if SDF is the best option for your child's specific needs!

Unfortunately yes.

We see many children as young as 1 year of age already having cavities in their mouth! Your child may have cavities starting in their teeth before it becomes a hole in their tooth. Cavities start as white spot lesions that become large and cavitated as the cavity gets worse (this is when you would usually see holes in the teeth).

Cavities are one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood in the United States. In Los Angeles County, 50% of kindergarteners have untreated cavities! Cavities are 5 times more common than asthma and 7 times more common than hay fever!

So what can we do to prevent cavities?
1) Brush 2x/day with fluoridated toothpaste for 2 minutes each time
2) Floss at least 1x/day
3) Avoid sugary foods and drinks in excess, especially crackers, chips, and juice
4) Visit the dentist at least 2x/year

Cavities are completely preventable and we believe that early detection is key! Making sure your child sees a dentist regularly will help your child's dentist identify any teeth that are starting cavities before they get worse. We are always here for you!