If you’re a parent or guardian, we understand how important it is to protect your child’s dental health, but dental visits can sometimes make little ones nervous. The good news is that modern dentistry for kids has come a long way, offering more options for parents to choose which treatments could help improve their child’s teeth.
Today, many dental treatments are designed to be non-invasive, helping children feel more comfortable while preventing problems early.
If you’ve heard of SDF (silver diamine fluoride), fissure sealants and other minimally invasive dental care, this guide will help you understand these treatment options better.
What Is Gentle Kids’ Dentistry?
Gentle kids’ dentistry focuses on preventing decay and treating problems early in a way that is comfortable for children. The goal of this kind of dentistry is to protect baby and growing adult teeth while helping kids build trust and confidence in the dental chair.
Dentists use techniques such as “tell-show-do” (explaining and showing before doing), soft communication, and sometimes nitrous oxide (“happy gas”) for kids who are anxious whenever a dental treatment is to be done on them. These methods ensure dental visits are positive experiences, and not something to fear.
This is also known as minimally invasive dentistry for children, where, instead of drilling or removing large portions of a tooth, dentists now use advanced materials and gentle methods to stop decay, protect enamel, and strengthen teeth naturally.
Some of the most popular minimally invasive treatments for children today are the silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and fissure sealants. While they are both treatments for dental decay, these two still have their differences.
Understanding SDF and Fissure Sealants
What is SDF?
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a professionally applied liquid used by dentists in some cases of early decay. It may be considered for children who are not ready for more involved treatment.
SDF combines silver, which kills bacteria, and fluoride, which strengthens the tooth. When brushed onto a decayed spot, it arrests (stops) the cavity from getting worse.
How Does Dental SDF Treatment Work?
During an SDF dental treatment, your child’s dentist will:
- Clean and dry the affected tooth.
- Gently paint the SDF solution onto the area of decay.
- Allow it to dry for about one minute.
The whole process usually takes just a few minutes.
The treated area will turn dark, which is a sign that the decay has been stopped. When this happens, remember that this is normal and shows that the SDF is working. SDF also works well for the back teeth because the colour change will not be very noticeable.
When Is SDF Recommended?
SDF is often used when:
- A child has early decay that does not need any drilling yet.
- The dentist wants to delay treatment until the child is older or more comfortable.
- The cavity is in a baby tooth that will fall out soon.
- A child has special healthcare needs or dental anxiety.
In some cases, SDF may be used as part of atraumatic restorative treatment (ART), another minimally invasive approach where the dentist seals softened decay under a protective layer instead of drilling it out.
What Are Fissure Sealants?
While SDF helps treat existing decay, fissure sealants are designed to prevent decay from forming in the first place.
Why Do Kids Need Sealants?
If you look closely at a molar (back tooth), you will notice deep grooves and pits, which are called fissures. Food and bacteria can easily get stuck there, even with brushing, which makes molars more prone to cavities.
Dentists can apply fissure sealants to fill in those tiny grooves, creating a smooth surface that’s easier to clean.
How the Process Works
The sealant procedure is also a straightforward procedure to do:
- The dentist cleans and dries the tooth.
- A special gel is applied for a few seconds to help the sealant stick.
- The gel is rinsed off, and the tooth is dried again.
- A thin layer of sealant (like a liquid plastic) is painted onto the surface.
- A blue light is used to harden it within seconds.
Sealants are most often applied to first permanent molars, which usually come in around ages 6–7. When properly cared for, fissure sealants can last several years and provide strong protection during the most cavity-prone years of childhood.
Other Minimally Invasive Treatments for Kids
Fluoride Varnish for Children
This professional treatment involves brushing a concentrated fluoride varnish onto the teeth. It strengthens enamel, reverses early decay, and protects against acid attacks from sugary foods. Dentists often apply fluoride varnish during regular check-ups, especially for children at higher risk of decay.
The Hall Technique
For baby teeth with larger cavities, the Hall Technique may be used instead of traditional drilling and filling. The dentist gently fits a pre-made stainless steel crown over the tooth, sealing in the decay and protecting the tooth until it falls out naturally. It’s quick, effective, and does not require numbing injections.
Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART)
This technique removes soft decay using hand instruments (not a drill) and seals the tooth with a durable filling material. ART is ideal for young or nervous children because it’s quiet and gentle.
Helping Kids Feel Safe at the Dentist
Children often mirror their parents’ attitudes toward the dentist, which means staying calm and positive also helps them feel secure. Dentists who focus on gentle kids’ dentistry take time to explain each step in child-friendly language and allow kids to explore the tools before treatment begins.
For more anxious children, nitrous oxide (“happy gas”) may also be offered to help them relax during procedures. It’s safe, mild, and wears off quickly, allowing your child to return to normal activities soon after.
To better understand which options work best for your kids, it’s best to discuss them with a qualified dentist for children. Talk to our team at Bellevue Hill Dental to know more about children’s dentistry and how you can keep their teeth healthy.
Schedule a consultation for more details.
