Liquid treatment stops cavities in young children

3 min read

A large U.S. Phase III trial published in JAMA Pediatrics found that applying 38% silver diamine fluoride every six months arrested tooth decay in more than half of affected baby teeth in 830 children under six. Led by researchers at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, the study enrolled children from dental offices, pediatric practices, and Head Start programs across three states and reported the treatment was safe even for children as young as one. The findings may support an FDA approval, wider insurer coverage, and broader use as a noninvasive alternative to drilling, though treated areas do permanently darken.

Silver diamine fluoride arrested decay in over half of treated baby teeth.