Article by:
Amelia Grant
Fluoride is an important element that helps to build your bones and teeth. Fluoride can be present in toothpaste, mouth rinses, and some water sources, such as natural and municipal tap water. Most people should be able to reach their fluoride "threshold," so to speak, by brushing twice a day, rinsing with mouthwash on a regular basis, and drinking fluoridated water.
What about kids who are too young to clean their teeth? What are their choices for tooth decay treatment and prevention? Fluoride varnish, a liquid coating that hardens when coupled with saliva, can be administered to the child's teeth using a little brush.
Fluoride varnish is a topical fluoride solution that is applied to the teeth to help maintain the tooth enamel and keep them fresh, healthy, and free of decay. Fluoride varnish can be applied to children's teeth at routine dental checkups. This technique is quick, and painless, and can keep your child's teeth healthy when they are unable to be cleaned for whatever reason.
Your child's dentist or pediatrician may administer fluoride varnish during a normal cleaning or doctor's appointment. Alternatively, your child's preschool or school may provide a school-wide fluoride varnish treatment multiple times each year. In addition, there are at-home varnish choices that parents or caregivers may apply by following the package directions.
Dental varnish should only be applied by a medical practitioner, such as your child's physician or pediatric dentist. Ideally, you will take your kid to the dentist within six months of their first tooth sprouting. If visits to the pediatric dentist are not an option, doctors will apply varnish instead. Fluoride varnish can be administered twice or four times per year, depending on the need and frequency of visits.
The fluoride varnish ultimately fades, which is why it is most effective when applied several times each year. It is not a substitute for regular brushing and flossing; all youngsters, beginning with their first tooth, should brush with an adequate amount of fluoride-treated toothpaste.
Fluoride varnish is a harmless liquid that is applied topically to the front and sides of the teeth. It is painted on the teeth and forms a seal when it comes into touch with saliva.
The entire process is similar to putting nail paint but on teeth. Your child's dentist will apply varnish to his or her teeth using a little brush. The doctor will apply varnish to all of your child's teeth. Once applied, the varnish hardens when combined with your child's saliva. Fortunately, after the varnish has been put, your youngster will be unable to lick it off, but they will feel something on their teeth.
The dental varnish produces a protective barrier, preventing plaque from penetrating deeper into the tooth and strengthening the enamel. Researchers discovered that fluoride varnish can reduce the number of cavities by 30-35%.
The entire surgery is painless, although your child may respond poorly to the procedure. Maintain their calm and ensure that the process does not cause them pain or discomfort. The varnish seals and dries rapidly, with a good flavor.
Once the varnish has been applied, your child's dentist will tell you what to do next. Generally, you will not clean your child's teeth for 4 to 12 hours. They will also advise against eating sticky, chewy, hard, or spicy foods for 4 to 6 hours following treatment.
They may also provide further suggestions to ensure your child's fluoride varnish treatment is as successful as possible. Their saliva and/or teeth may be somewhat yellow owing to the color of the varnish before it cures clear, but this will fade within a day or two.
Yes, fluoride dental varnish is highly safe for both children and adults. Fluoride varnish strengthens tooth enamel while introducing a small quantity of fluoride into your child's system, lowering the risk of fluorosis developing on their unerupted teeth. The varnish is brushed off after a few hours.
Some children may be allergic to fluoride varnish, particularly those who are sensitive to colophony (sticking plaster) and/or pine nuts. If you are concerned about potential adverse responses to fluoride varnishing, speak with your dentist, doctor, or allergist.
