Dental caries, or cavities, remain a top health issue for children throughout the United States. Here, learn about fluoride varnish, a topical tooth treatment applied by dentists to protect children’s teeth from decay. The product is made from fluoride, one of the minerals in the periodic table that helps fortify enamel, or the hard, white outer tooth layer.

What Is Fluoride Varnish?

Why Do Children Benefit From It?

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 20% of children aged 5 to 11 in the United States have at least one decayed tooth. About 13% of children and teens between the ages of 12 and 19 also have one or more decayed teeth, with minorities and low-income families the most susceptible. Fluoride varnish made with 5% sodium fluoride provides a safe, non-systemic treatment for dental caries that can prevent 33% of cavities in baby teeth, according to the CDC.

The varnish acts as a barrier between the tooth and decaying agents such as mouth bacteria, acids, and sugary food particles. It also slows existing decay to prevent it from worsening and causing pain. Without timely treatment, tooth decay can cause anyone of any age to need a root canal, a procedure that cleans and seals the affected tooth to save it from extraction.

How Is It Applied & What Are the Aftercare Tips?

Dentists apply fluoride varnish using a small brush to cover each tooth on all sides. The sticky product cures upon saliva contact and does not feature an undesirable taste. A painless and quick procedure, it is possible to eat and drink 30 minutes after the product cures; however, your child should not brush or floss their teeth for four to six hours after the treatment to avoid removing some of the varnish. Avoid crunchy and hot foods on the day of the procedure as well to keep the product intact.

Fluoride varnish lasts up to six months. Your dentist will determine a re-application schedule that meets your child’s dental health needs. 

If fluoride varnish is right for your child, make an appointment with Tri-State Dental Care in Fort Wright, KY. Serving the Tri-State area since 1997, the dentists provide cosmetic and family dentistry services that help area residents enjoy beautiful, healthy smiles. Call (859) 426-2790 today to request an appointment or visit the dentists online for more information.