The ABCs of SDF in 4 fast facts

Mona Dental for Kids treats children and children only. As such, Dr. Mona Houshiar and our team in Spring always strive to stay ahead of the latest, greatest, and safest products and techniques to benefit our pediatric patients. In turn, we offer many services that cannot be found at other dentist’s offices near to us in southeast Texas and much farther beyond. These standout services include a “twist” on standard fluoride therapy or supplementation to protect your child’s healthy and pleasing smile. Below, get to know Silver Diamine Fluoride in four fast facts.

No. 1: SDF takes fluoride to another level.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps to maintain the strength and remineralize teeth. It is particularly beneficial for children’s teeth as they are developing. Their tooth structure may be vulnerable to early childhood caries (decay), so this is where supplementation comes into play. SDF’s unique formulation maximizes its effectiveness in fighting decay.

No. 2: Silver kills bacteria.

Harmful oral bacteria contribute to the development of cavities and other forms of decay. By introducing silver to fluoride, we further help to minimize this risk factor for dental damage and disease. Also, SDF is made with water and ammonia, which serves as a base for the solution and as a preservative to help maintain the concentration of the active, cavity-fighting ingredients, respectively.

No. 3: SDF may be small, but it’s mighty.

Since SDF is highly concentrated, a single drop applied evenly and safely by Dr. Mona with a tiny brush can help stop or slow down the progression of cavities, providing effective protection for your child’s teeth. This solution is brushed or painted on to the damaged or decay-prone surfaces of your child’s teeth. Once dry, we rinse with water. So, the entire process is straightforward, fast, comfortable, and easy. As noted, a little goes a long way. Clinical studies show that SDF has a success rate of over 90% in arresting decay when applied to at-risk teeth twice a year. It can be effortlessly included in your child’s regular 6-month dental checkups.

No. 4: It’s so safe that SDF may be combined with other varnishes.

Dr. Mona respects that some patients or caregivers may have concerns about certain products or materials conventionally used in dentistry. She has carefully selected all products and technologies used at Mona Dental for Kids for their safety and effectiveness. SDF remains a powerhouse product, containing less fluoride than some conventional products. The amount of silver contained within is also well under the threshold established for drinking water. In turn, we can safely combine SDF with other varnishes, effectively avoiding the risk of overexposure to fluoride or silver while also maximizing these “helpers” that support and complement good oral hygiene at home and other professional preventative visits and services at our office in Spring, TX.

When you schedule your child’s next checkup, be sure to ask about Silver Diamine Fluoride! Call us today at (832) 662-3008.

Mona Houshiar, DDS

Dr. Mona Houshiar is a highly skilled pediatric dentist with over 15 years of experience dedicated to preventing dental issues and promoting lifelong oral health. She earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from UCLA and completed residencies at the VA West Los Angeles Healthcare Center and the University of Connecticut. As a trusted member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association, Dr. Houshiar stays current on the latest advancements in pediatric dentistry. Her compassionate, evidence-based approach fosters trust and comfort, both in her practice and through her community service for underserved children.

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