What is Fluoride Varnish? Is it safe? Is it effective for my child’s teeth?
These are some of the questions I do receive daily from many parents in my specialist pediatric dentistry clinic in Dubai Health Care City.
Healthy teeth is everything!
You see it is not just teeth we want to talk about. It’s a healthy child with a healthy body and definitely healthy teeth. For that reason your pediatric dentist always wants to talk to you about good dental habits for your lovely baby or child.
Once your child crosses his first year of life your dentist may recommend that your child receives fluoride varnish treatments to prevent tooth decay. You do know that even young children do develop decay from an early age!
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: fluoride varnish applied in the dental office up to 2-4 times a year.
For more about this topic read this blog: Baby Tooth Decay: how to prevent it! Dr.Yasmin kottait
Here are 5 FACTS TO KNOW about the topic:
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So what is Fluoride Varnish?
Fluoride varnish is the best preventative tool or treatment to prevent tooth decay, or even stop it from getting worse. Simple to guess what it is made of fluoride varnish is made with fluoride a naturally occurring mineral that was found to strengthen tooth enamel.
It does so by chemically binding to the calcium in the tooth structure and making a new tooth layer called “Fluorapatite” More resistant to acid attacks and subsequently decay.
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Is Fluoride Varnish Safe?
Absolutely!
Fluoride varnish is safe and used by dentists all over the world to prevent tooth decay in children. The amount Carefully calculated according to the child’s age. This technology is absolutely easy to regulate, so no excess is laying around for a child to swallow. The varnish is formulated in such a way that it dries off super quick and adheres to teeth only working on the enamel layer, like a nail varnish application apply it and leave it to quickly dry off leaving a thin transparent layer of goodness on the tooth structure.
Immediately after application, teeth may look dull. However, the color of your child’s teeth will return to normal after the fluoride varnish is brushed off. And don’t worry! It’s delicious! Most children like the taste. At least if they are not fussy tasters!
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How is Fluoride Varnish applied to Teeth?
Fluoride varnish put in for the top and sides of each tooth with a small brush.
The entire procedure takes a few minutes and it involves a lot of cotton rolls for dryness and “Mr. Thirsty” the suction and all done. Initially it will be sticky but will then harden once it comes in contact with saliva. Your child will feel the hardened varnish with his tongue and he/she will not be able to lick the varnish off.
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Is Fluoride Varnish Painful?
NO! It is one of the easiest most fun procedures dentistry has for your child. Your pediatric dentist will be super quick with the application. However, there is still the odd chance your child did not like the “strawberry” flavor offered.
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How should I take care My Child’s Teeth After Fluoride Varnish is applied?
- Stick to soft food for the day in order to preserve that newly applied varnish
- Stick to cold or warm drinks (not hot liquids) after the fluoride varnish is applied.
- Avoid brushing or floss teeth for at least 4-6 hours.
Remember that fluoride varnish treatments alone cannot completely prevent cavities. Fluoride varnish treatments can help prevent decay when a child who is brushing using toothpaste with fluoride, flossing regularly, getting dental care, and eating a healthy diet.
Recent research shows that fluoride varnish is highly effective at preventing tooth decay if it is applied twice a year in children with low risk for developing decay and four times a year in children with high risk for developing decay.
For more about the topic please watch this video, leave your comments or questions down below.
To a lifetime of healthy happy smiles!
