Liquid coating may soon get FDA approval
A University of Michigan team found a liquid coating stops decay without drilling or shots for thousands of young children.
Untreated cavities send many kids to urgent care centers where doctors often cannot fix the damage inside their mouths easily. Many eventually need surgery under anesthesia while others suffer pain and infection from the rotting teeth inside their jaws.
A simple fluid called silver diamine fluoride can spare these children from painful procedures involving invasive drilling and sedation. Dentists apply this liquid to a cavity using a small sponge tool in just a few seconds per tooth.
Studies show the fluid arrests tooth decay in over half of affected baby teeth when treated at six month intervals. Unlike standard methods that remove parts of the tooth before placing fillings this liquid is simply painted onto the cavity.
The research offers data needed by the maker to submit an application to the FDA for official approval soon. The product tested during this trial was supplied by Elevate Oral Care for the testing process involved in the study.
“Our results support FDA approval of SDF for managing arrest of tooth decay in young children.”