Low-cost Liquid Shows Promise in Fighting Tooth Decay

Silver Diamine Fluoride Proves Effective in School-Based Dental Program

USA: An inexpensive solution called silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has emerged as a potent tool in combating tooth decay, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at NYU College of Dentistry. Published in JAMA Pediatrics, the study demonstrates the effectiveness of SDF in preventing cavities, presenting it as a viable alternative to traditional dental sealants.

The research, spanning four years and involving over 4,000 elementary school students, showcased SDF’s efficacy in preventing decay and halting the progression of existing cavities. The study compared SDF to conventional sealants, commonly used in school-based cavity prevention programs endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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SDF vs. Sealants: A Comparison

Both SDF and sealants were found to be equally effective in preventing cavities, with SDF demonstrating notable advantages. Richard Niederman, DMD, professor at NYU College of Dentistry and senior author of the study, emphasized, “SDF — which is quicker to apply and less expensive than sealants — can prevent and arrest cavities, reducing the need for drilling and filling.”

The study, known as CariedAway, implemented SDF and sealants in New York City elementary schools, with health professionals administering the treatments during regular visits. These professionals, including dental hygienists and registered nurses, applied either SDF or sealants, followed by fluoride varnish. The results indicated that SDF, when applied by either dental hygienists or registered nurses, yielded similar outcomes to traditional sealants.

Nurses as Key Players

The research suggests an expanded role for nurses, including school nurses, in oral health programs. Ryan Richard Ruff, PhD, MPH, associate professor at NYU College of Dentistry and the study’s first author, noted, “Nurses may be an untapped resource for addressing oral health inequities.” The findings propose that nurses could effectively deliver preventive care, potentially enhancing access to dental services.

Nurses Showcase Effectiveness in School-Based Caries Prevention Program with Silver Diamine Fluoride

The adoption of SDF in school-based cavity prevention programs holds promise for reducing the incidence of cavities and minimizing the need for costly treatments. Tamarinda Barry Godín, DDS, MPH, coauthor of the study, highlighted, “Most research shows that SDF can stop a cavity from progressing further. Our study demonstrated that SDF can prevent cavities from happening in the first place.”

SDF integration into school-based oral health initiatives

As the study underscores the efficacy of SDF in preventing tooth decay, its integration into school-based oral health initiatives could significantly impact dental care accessibility and affordability. The research not only reaffirms the importance of preventive measures but also points towards a potential expansion of the oral health workforce, with nurses playing a pivotal role in addressing oral health disparities.

This research was made possible through funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCS-160936724), and the CariedAway cavity prevention model is currently being implemented in select school districts, supported by Northeast Delta Dental.

Cheaper Dental Treatment for Kids as Effective as Sealants, Finds Study