Study Shows SDF Is Equally Effective as Dental Sealants in Prevention of Tooth Decay

Researchers from the New York University College of Dentistry conducted a study involving more than 4,000 elementary school students over 4 years that compared silver diamine fluoride (SDF) to traditional dental sealants. The results, published in JAMA Pediatrics, showed that SDF was as effective as sealants in preventing tooth decay. SDF, originally approved for treating dentinal hypersensitivity, is applied to teeth surfaces, effectively killing caries-causing bacteria and remineralizing teeth. The study found that both SDF and sealants prevented around 80% of caries lesions and stopped 50% of existing ones from worsening over 4 years. The research suggests that nurses, including school nurses, could play a significant role in caries-prevention programs by administering SDF. The study was funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. The CariedAway caries-prevention model is being implemented in several school districts in New Hampshire. Click here to read more.