Your children deserve a healthy smile and this is one of the best gifts you can give them.
Healthy gums and teeth are important to your child's overall health. Treating cavities is important, but preventing cavities is best. That’s where fluoride comes in.
What is Fluoride Varnish?
Fluoride varnish is a dental treatment that can help prevent tooth decay, slow it down, or stop it from getting worse. Fluoride varnish is made with fluoride, a mineral that can strengthen tooth enamel (outer coating on teeth).
Here’s how fluoride works. Your mouth contains bacteria that feed on the sugars in the foods we eat and the beverages we drink. This produces acid that can wear away the hard, outer shell of your tooth (enamel). This can lead to cavities. Fluoride protects teeth by making the teeth stronger and more resistant to acid. It not only reduces the risk of cavities, it can even help reverse early signs of decay.
Keep in mind that fluoride varnish treatments cannot completely prevent cavities. Fluoride varnish treatments can best help prevent decay when a child is also brushing using the right amount of toothpaste with fluoride, flossing regularly, getting regular dental care, and eating a healthy diet.
Is Fluoride Varnish Safe?
Did you know dental cavities are the most common disease in children and adults worldwide? Fluoride is one of the best and safest ways we can prevent cavities for children and adults alike.
Fluoride is safe and used by dentists and doctors all over the world to help prevent tooth decay in children. Only a small amount is used, and hardly any fluoride is swallowed. It is quickly applied and hardens.
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 his tongue but will not be able to lick the varnish off.
It does not hurt when the varnish is applied. However, young children may still cry before or during the procedure. Fortunately, brushing on the varnish takes only a few minutes. Also, applying the varnish may be easier when a child is crying because his mouth will be slightly open.
You may be asked to hold your child in your lap while you are placed knee-to-knee with the person applying the varnish.
Some brands of fluoride varnish make teeth look yellow. Other brands make teeth look dull. However, the color of your child's teeth will return to normal after the fluoride varnish is brushed off. Most children like the taste.
How Do I Care for My Child's Teeth After Fluoride Varnish is Applied?
Here are general guidelines on how to care for your child's teeth after fluoride varnish is applied. Check with your doctor for any other special instructions.
Your child may be advised to avoid eating & drinking for a short period of time (at least 30 minutes) after the treatment.
Your child will be advised to eat soft foods and cold or warm foods or liquids and avoid hot and hard foods.
The fluoride varnish should remain on the child's teeth for the rest of the day and also overnight to provide the most benefit. Your doctor may tell you to wait until the next morning to brush and floss. It is recommended only to advise not to brush on the evening of the application. The importance of starting to brush again the following morning, as part of a twice daily routine, should be reinforced.
Remember:
Steps to good dental health include:
Eating healthy food
Regular brushing and flossing
Getting enough fluoride
Regular care by our dentist
Have your child’s teeth checked twice a year. Call us for an appointment!