Entry #28

Beyond the drill: Silver diamine fluoride in cavity care Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has emerged as a minimally invasive, cost-effective treatment for managing cavities, particularly in pediatric and underserved populations. This presentation highlights findings from recent studies that examine how SDF compares to traditional treatments like sodium fluoride varnish and glass ionomer sealants. The research shows that SDF helps stop cavity progression by increasing mineral content in the tooth and reducing bacterial growth. Clinical and in vitro studies demonstrate that SDF significantly increases mineral density, inhibits collagen degradation, and reduces Streptococcus mutans biofilm activity. While some clinicians use SDF with additional fluoride varnish, the evidence suggests this combination doesn’t improve results and may even weaken SDF’s antibacterial effects. These findings support the use of SDF on its own as an effective option for arresting and preventing cavities, all the while, improving access to care in settings where traditional treatment may not be available and offers a promising pathway toward equitable, non-invasive dental care.