An oral care formulation includes an aqueous mixture of a water-soluble silver salt, a fluoride reagent, and a water-soluble polymer, the aqueous mixture having a viscosity ranging from about 1000 cPs to about 35,000 cPs. A method of using a fluoride and silver containing formulation, such as silver diamine fluoride, in dental applications includes providing a substrate having the formulation in a solid or semi-solid state on a portion of the substrate, positioning the substrate adjacent to dental areas, and allowing the portion of the substrate with the formulation to contact the dental areas. A disposable applicator for applying the formulation is also disclosed.