Affordable Dental Care: Protect Your Kids' Teeth from Cavities

A recent study has found that a cost-effective liquid used to combat cavities and typically employed for treating sensitive teeth may be just as effective as dental sealants in preventing tooth decay. The research, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics on March 4, reveals that a single treatment of either silver diamine fluoride (SDF) or a standard dental sealant prevented 80% of cavities over a four-year period among thousands of elementary schoolchildren in New York City. Additionally, these treatments halted the progression of 50% of existing cavities during the same timeframe. Lead researcher Ryan Richard Ruff, an assistant professor of epidemiology and health promotion at the NYU School of Dentistry, commented on the study's findings, stating that it confirms the effectiveness of both sealants and SDF against cavities. One advantage of SDF is its applicability by school nurses, expanding the reach of preventive care to more children during school hours, Ruff noted. He emphasized the potential role of nurses in addressing oral health disparities, stating that the results suggest nurses could effectively provide this care, significantly improving access to preventive measures. [image] However, the success of these programs hinges on the availability of health professionals to apply these cavity-fighting substances. In the study, 4,100 New York City children received either SDF or a sealant at their elementary school twice a year, with over a quarter of them having untreated cavities at the study's outset. Sealants were administered by dental hygienists, while SDF was applied by either a dental hygienist or a registered nurse, all under dentist supervision. Dr. Tamarinda Barry Godín, a research scientist at NYU College of Dentistry, highlighted the study's significance, noting that while most research shows SDF can halt cavity progression, this study demonstrates its preventive potential. Moreover, children who received SDF from either a dental hygienist or a registered nurse showed similar outcomes, suggesting that school nurses could play a vital role in cavity prevention programs. [More information]( The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have more about school dental sealant programs. SOURCE: New York University, news release, March 4, 2024 [Unsubscribe me]( | [Terms and Conditions](