Advanced Protection for Developing Smiles
The role of fluoride is especially important for children as it improves the quality of dental enamel in their developing teeth and makes their new teeth more resistant to decay. As part of your child’s preventive dental care program at our office, fluoride varnish is applied during their routine checkup appointments and if indicated at regular intervals between these visits.
Common Dental Issues
The primary defense against demineralization and holes in the enamel.
Strengthening the surface of both baby and permanent teeth.
While not an alignment fix, healthy teeth ensure there is no decay-related early loss that affects spacing.
Fluoride can help desensitize areas of the teeth.
All About Fluoride Varnish
Fluoride varnish is a topically applied product that is brushed onto all sides of your child’s teeth. It is a completely safe and painless procedure that takes just a couple of minutes from start to finish. Once applied and in contact with your child’s saliva the fluoride hardens. The fluoride component is now absorbed into the dental enamel and begins its job of strengthening the tooth.
Following the application of the fluoride varnish, your child does not have to wait to eat or drink. The only restriction is that foods are soft and not crunchy for the rest of the day. Brushing and flossing may be postponed for several hours.
While fluoride varnish can help prevent cavities and slow their progression, it is not a guarantee against dental decay. Optimal dental health for your child involves an excellent oral hygiene regimen at home, routine dental care and eating a healthy diet.
FAQs
Yes, fluoride varnish is a highly concentrated, yet safely applied, product used by pediatric dentists worldwide. It is painted directly onto the teeth, minimizing the amount ingested compared to other types of fluoride.
For most children with a low risk of decay, it is applied during their regular six-month check-ups. Children with a higher risk of decay may benefit from applications every three to four months, as recommended by Dr. Lopez.
Immediately after application, the varnish may make the teeth look slightly yellow or dull, but this temporary discoloration will disappear once the child is able to brush their teeth several hours later.
No, the procedure is completely painless. It is simply painted onto the tooth surfaces, requiring no drilling or discomfort, making it a stress-free experience for children.