Silver Diamine Fluoride - Childrens and Parents Guide

Patient Information Leaflet

What is silver diamine fluoride?

• Silver diamine fluoride is a liquid that slowly releases silver and fluoride.
• These help protect the tooth from further decay.
• Decay means that part of the tooth has been damaged by tooth decay.
• This can cause a hole or damaged area in the tooth.

What does silver diamine fluoride do?

• Silver diamine fluoride can stop tooth decay from getting worse. This is called arresting tooth decay.
• It can be used when a filling cannot be done.
• For example, this may be helpful for very young children who find it hard to sit still for a long time, or for children with special needs who need extra support during dental treatment.
• It can help stop tooth decay from causing pain or an infection.

When is it not suitable?

• It is not suitable for teeth that are causing pain or have signs of infection.
• It is also not suitable if your child cannot sit still and keep their mouth open long enough for the liquid to be put on the tooth.

How is it put on the tooth?

• Your child's clothes will be protected with a plastic bib.
• The tooth is dried, and cotton wool is placed around it to keep it dry.
• The liquid is put on the tooth with a small brush.
• It is left on the tooth for one minute, then the tooth is rinsed with water.
• The treatment may be repeated every 6 months to keep working and protect the tooth.

What will the tooth look like after treatment?

• Silver diamine fluoride will permanently turn the decayed part of the tooth black.
• Only the decayed part will turn black.
• Depending on your child, the black staining may be covered with a filling when they are older or more able to cope with having dental treatment.

Get more information

Journal article about the information used in this leaflet: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4778976/