A 10-Second Treatment Can Stop Tooth Decay in Kids Without Drilling

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Researchers have completed a major clinical trial testing a fast, non-invasive treatment for tooth decay in young children. Silver diamine fluoride, or SDF, is a liquid applied directly to cavities that halts decay by eliminating bacteria and fortifying tooth structure. Unlike traditional cavity treatment, the procedure requires no drilling or anesthesia and takes approximately 10 seconds to administer.

The study involved 830 children under age 6 with severe cavities across three US locations. When compared to a placebo, SDF successfully arrested tooth decay in 54 percent of treated cavities at a six-month follow-up, compared to just 22.5 percent in the control group. Researchers reported mild to moderate side effects with no significant differences in tooth pain between groups. While the treatment leaves a permanent dark stain on affected teeth, scientists emphasize its safety and effectiveness even in very young patients.

Currently approved only for off-label use in treating adult tooth sensitivity, SDF has not yet received FDA clearance for pediatric cavity treatment in the United States. The trial results provide strong evidence supporting such approval and could expand access to dental care in underserved communities. Researchers suggest the treatment’s speed and simplicity make it suitable for primary-care medical offices, potentially reaching children who lack regular dental access before seeing a dentist.

More than one in ten children aged 2 to 5 in the US have at least one cavity, with rates climbing to nearly one in five for older children. Experts note that widespread adoption of SDF could help address this public health issue while reducing the need for complex surgical procedures.

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Originally reported by Sciencealert →