Fluoride has been proven extensively to be helpful in preventative dentistry. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. Our teeth gain and lose minerals daily. Minerals get lost when consuming acidic, sugary foods which helps fuel bacteria to cause cavities. Minerals are gained when consuming foods and drinks or using products that contain fluoride, calcium, and phosphate. In Maui we do not have fluoride added to our drinking water which leads to less daily protection from tooth decay. Because of this we advise using products which contain fluoride to help protect teeth. These products include toothpastes and mouthwash. We also provide fluoride treatments in our office for patients who are at high risk for cavities, including children and older patients who suffer from dry mouth (xerostomia). Our fluoride treatments are either a varnish we paint on teeth, usually at the end of a hygiene visit or may be in the form of silver diamine fluoride (SDF).

SDF is a colorless liquid composed of approximately 25% (weight/volume) silver, 5-6% fluoride, and 8% ammonia. When painted on a tooth surface it can stop a cavity from progressing. Applying it is painless and takes less than two minutes. For patients that need extensive dental treatment, applying SDF can allow additional time before treatment needs to be completed. SDF can cause tooth discoloration where it is applied and will need to be reapplied every few months or until a restoration can be completed. It has been very helpful in reducing cavity size in small children who are not yet cooperative enough for treatment and in older adults who suffer from multiple cavities due to dry mouth.