Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems worldwide. Even though it is preventable, billions of people still suffer from cavities, dealing with pain, sensitivity, and expensive treatments. Traditional dental care usually involves drilling and filling, which can be stressful, especially for children, older adults, or those without easy access to dentists.
Now, researchers at New York University (NYU) are developing a zinc-based treatment that could fight cavities without drilling, reduce pain, and most importantly, keep teeth looking natural and stain-free.
Silver Might Stop Cavities, But It Stains Your Smile
Many dentists use Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) to treat cavities without drilling. SDF is affordable, simple to apply, and can prevent cavities from worsening. It is especially useful in schools, nursing homes, and rural areas with limited dental care.
But there is a catch. SDF leaves a permanent black stain on treated teeth. While this is not a problem for back teeth or baby teeth, it makes people hesitant to use it on front teeth, limiting its appeal.
Zinc: The Safe, Invisible Hero
Marc Walters, a chemist at NYU, said that Zinc: a safe, colorless mineral could replace silver while still fighting bacteria.
Walters, together with Deepak Saxena from NYU College of Dentistry, developed zinc tetramine difluoride. This compound works like SDF but without leaving stains, making it perfect for front teeth and smiles that matter.
How This Revolutionary Treatment Works
The zinc solution is applied as a liquid that penetrates the dentin, the layer beneath the enamel filled with tiny channels leading to the nerves inside the tooth. Once inside these channels, the liquid reacts to form solid zinc minerals, which block the channels and reduce sensitivity.
At the same time, the treatment slowly releases zinc and fluoride, helping fight bacteria that cause cavities. Lab tests show that the zinc starts sealing channels within minutes and remains stable for one to two months, providing both immediate relief and lasting protection.
From the Lab to Your Dentist’s Chair
NYU’s zinc treatment has caught the attention of Southern Dental Industries (SDI), an Australian dental company that is helping develop it for commercial use. Researchers also received funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to refine the formula and test its effectiveness.
The aim is a treatment that is easy for dentists to use, safe, and long-lasting, with the potential to become an over-the-counter product in the future.
Why Patients Could Love This Treatment
If successful, zinc treatment could replace drilling for small cavities, reduce pain quickly, fight bacteria, prevent further decay, and keep teeth looking natural. Children, older adults, and people with limited access to dental care could benefit the most. Over time, it could improve oral health worldwide and lower dental costs.
What Still Needs to Happen
Before being widely available, zinc treatments need tests for long-term effectiveness, safety, and ability to fight a variety of cavity-causing bacteria. Approval from authorities like the FDA will also be required. Since zinc is already widely used in dental care, the approval process may be faster than for new chemical treatments.
A Future Without Drills
NYU’s zinc-based treatment could change the way cavities are treated forever. By offering a painless, invisible, and bacteria-fighting solution, it may soon provide a simple alternative to drilling and filling, making dental visits easier and more comfortable for everyone.
References
- Zinc compound offers non-staining alternative to silver diamine fluoride — Dental Tribune, 2025. https://us.dental-tribune.com/news/zinc-compound-offers-non-staining-alternative-to-silver-diamine-fluoride/
- Next-generation cavity fighter uses zinc-based treatment that could replace silver diamine fluoride — NYU / MedicalXpress, 2025. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-generation-cavity-fighter-zinc-based.html
- NYU Researchers Develop Zinc-Based Treatment to Fight Tooth Decay Without Drilling or Staining — Oral Health Group, 2025. https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/clinical/dental-research/nyu-researchers-develop-zinc-based-treatment-to-fight-tooth-decay-without-drilling-or-staining-1003989992/
