Fluoride Varnish: What Parents Need to Know
Healthy gums and teeth are important to your child’s overall health. This is why your child’s doctor will talk with you about good dental habits even before your child’s first tooth comes in. Once your child has a tooth, your doctor or dentist may recommend that your child receive fluoride varnish treatments in the office to help prevent tooth decay.
What is Fluoride Varnish?
Fluoride varnish is a liquid medication that is painted on the teeth to help prevent, slow down, or stop tooth decay from getting worse. Fluoride is a mineral that can strengthen tooth enamel, the outer coating of the teeth. Fluoride varnish treatments work best when your child also brushes 2 times each day using the right amount of toothpaste with fluoride, gets regular dental care, and drinks water with fluoride, and eating a healthy diet.
Is Fluoride Varnish Safe?
Fluoride varnish is safe and effective! It is used by dentists and doctors all over the world to help prevent tooth decay in children. Only a small amount is needed, so very little fluoride can be swallowed. It is applied and hardens quickly. Then it is brushed off after 4 to 12 hours. Some brands of fluoride varnish make teeth look yellow when first brushed on. Other brands make teeth look dull. However, the color of your child’s teeth returns to normal after the next tooth brushing. It comes in lots of flavors, and most children like the taste.
How is Fluoride Varnish Put on the Teeth?
Fluoride varnish is painted on the top and sides of each tooth with a small brush. It is sticky but hardens once it comes in contact with saliva. Your child may feel the hardened varnish with her tongue but will not be able to lick the varnish off. It does not hurt when the varnish is applied. Fortunately, putting varnish on takes only a few minutes.
Visit HealthyChildren.org – Fluoride Varnish: What Parents Need to Know for more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about fluoride varnish and oral health.
