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In a significant breakthrough, researchers at NYU College of Dentistry have discovered that silver diamine fluoride (SDF), an inexpensive liquid, is as effective as dental sealants in preventing tooth decay among elementary school students. The findings, published in JAMA Pediatrics, highlight SDF’s potential to revolutionize cavity prevention and treatment programs, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional sealants.
Dental cavities are a pervasive issue among children, often leading to pain, school absences, and academic challenges. To combat this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorse school sealant programs, where dental professionals apply protective coatings to children’s teeth. However, SDF has emerged as a promising solution, capable of preventing decay by killing bacteria and remineralizing teeth.
“A growing body of research shows that SDF can prevent and halt cavities, offering a quicker and more cost-effective approach than sealants,” explained Richard Niederman, DMD, professor at NYU College of Dentistry and senior author of the study.
The research, part of the CariedAway study, compared the effectiveness of SDF and sealants in over 4,000 elementary school students in New York City. Results showed that both treatments prevented cavities equally well over a four-year period, with SDF applied by either dental hygienists or registered nurses.
“Our longitudinal study confirms that both SDF and sealants are effective against cavities,” stated Ryan Richard Ruff, PhD, associate professor at NYU College of Dentistry and first author of the study. “SDF offers another option for cavity prevention, complementing the traditional sealant model.”
Moreover, the study suggests that nurses, including school nurses, could play a vital role in cavity prevention programs by administering SDF. “Nurses may be an untapped resource for addressing oral health inequities,” added Ruff. “Our results indicate that nurses can effectively provide this preventive care, significantly improving access to dental health services.”
The implementation of SDF in schools has the potential to reduce the need for fillings, thereby saving costs for families and healthcare systems. The CariedAway cavity prevention model, currently being utilized in three New Hampshire school districts, underscores the practical implications of this research.
Funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCS-160936724), this study marks a pivotal step toward revolutionizing childhood dental care and promoting oral health equity.
