Liquid painted on teeth stops cavities without drilling, trial confirms

A major clinical trial in young children has confirmed that silver diamine fluoride, an inexpensive liquid painted onto cavities in seconds, can stop tooth decay without drilling, injections or anaesthesia. Dentists apply it with a small sponge-tipped applicator. The findings could spare many children painful procedures and dental surgery under general anaesthesia, and pave the way for broader FDA-approved use.