Why is silvering children's milk teeth pointless?

Silvering of milk teeth — is a method that was originally conceived as a "conservation" of carious processes in milk teeth, but in essence, the method is ineffective and works more as a cosmetic or temporary measure than as a real treatment or prevention.

Mechanism of action of silvering. Silvering is performed using solutions of silver nitrate or complexes based on it.

Silver has a pronounced antiseptic effect: it kills bacteria in the area of application. However:

• Silver does not restore the structure of enamel and dentin.
• It does not eliminate the cause of demineralization.
• It does not stop further destruction of the tooth, especially if the mineralization of the tissues is already reduced.

Why milk teeth continue to decay. The main factor — is not sweets or local bacterial load, but systemic mineralization.

Milk teeth are formed in utero and in the first years of life from the available mineral reserves in the child's body. If during pregnancy or early childhood the mother and child had a deficiency of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D, K2, as well as trace elements (zinc, copper, selenium, boron), then the structure of enamel and dentin will be loose and poorly mineralized.

This type of tooth tissue is inherently vulnerable and easily destroyed even with normal care. Nutrition with excess sugars only accelerates the process but is not the root cause.

Why silvering does not solve the problem:

• It does not replenish the deficiency of minerals.
• It does not change metabolism and does not strengthen teeth systemically.
• It only temporarily reduces the activity of the microflora on the surface, but destruction continues from the inside due to the weakly mineralized base.

What is really important:

• Systemic mineralization: sufficient levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamins D and K2, trace elements.
• Support for the acid-base balance in the oral cavity (saliva — a key remineralizing factor).
• Regular removal of plaque, but not with aggressive means.
• In some cases — remineralizing applications (Ca/P pastes, fluoride in very controlled doses with normal levels of magnesium and calcium).