User:Mr. Ibrahem/Silver diammine fluoride

Silver diammine fluoride (SDF), also spelled silver diamine fluoride, is a medication used to treat and prevent tooth decay and treat sensitive teeth. It is also useful to identify tooth decay. It is applied to the teeth. It appears more effective than fluoride varnish.

Side effects include permanent staining of cavities black and a metallic taste. While staining of skin may occur, this is temporary. When used twice per year in children the risk of dental fluorosis is low. It contains silver, fluoride, and ammonia ions. It works by blocking dentin tubules, killing bacteria, and improving remineralization of teeth.

Silver diammine fluoride was approved for medical use in Japan in the 1960s and the United States in 2014. It is also available in the United Kingdom and Australia among others. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. In the United States its use costs about 75 USD as of 2021.