Silver diamine fluoride (SDF)

• We use soft cotton wool rolls to keep your tongue and cheeks away from your tooth
• We clean the tooth thoroughly using a special toothbrush and toothpaste.
• The SDF liquid is painted onto the tooth for 1-3 minutes. Following this, the teeth are dried a second time. Sometimes, we may then place a temporary filling over the top. 
• This is all done in one appointment. A second appointment 2-4 weeks later is made to to check the teeth and apply more SDF liquid if needed.
• SDF liquid is then reapplied once a year

There are no special preparations required. However, SDF cannot be used if your child has:

• An allergy to silver or another heavy metals or another component of SDF
• Painful gums, ulcers or sores in their mouth

• This simple procedure reduces sensitivity and slows down and prevents tooth decay progression.
• In many cases, SDF is more effective than fluoride varnish.
• It can provide a temporary solution for children who cannot undergo dental treatment immediately, preventing decay from worsening until further treatment is possible.

• It can temporarily stain the skin, lips, gums, and cheeks brown or white for 1-3 weeks, but this will disappear over time. However, we try our best to avoid contact with skin. 
• It permanently discolours the decayed areas of teeth black, while healthy parts of the tooth remain unaffected.
• It may also discolour tooth-coloured fillings. Polishing these fillings can help remove the stain, although it may remain visible at the join between the tooth and the filling.

SDF is fully licensed in many countries worldwide and has been safely used for many years. 

In the UK, it is licensed for treating sensitivity only and has not been widely used until recently. 

However, it can be used 'off-label' for decay and is increasingly being recommended for this purpose. If SDF does not halt the progression of decay, other treatments, such as fillings or tooth removal, may be necessary. 

Maintaining good tooth-brushing habits and limiting sugary sweets and drinks to mealtimes is crucial to prevent decay from worsening or developing in other teeth.