Fluoride varnish treatment is routinely offered to children by dentists

Collaborative post by another author.

With this in mind, we’ve created the ultimate guide to everything parents need to know about fluoride varnish which also includes a few ideas for dentists and hygienists. We hope it helps you get your little one the help they need.

What Is Fluoride Varnish?

High-fluoride varnish is designed to strengthen tooth enamel which will then provide a greater level of protection to the sensitive nerves and pulp that lie deep inside the teeth. Dentists who want to be able to recommend this service in a way that maximises uptake rates may wish to consider the importance of education.

There are a number of stories online about fluoride in drinking water that have caused some sections of society to be wary of anything involving this chemical. Highlighting that it is perfectly safe when applied professionally, designed to help and can result in much higher levels of dental health in later years is really important.

How Do You Apply Fluoride Varnish?

This special type of child-safe dental varnish is typically applied every 6 months from the age of 3, but the frequency and age range may vary depending on individual need. As every dentist will tell you, this is specialist work that only a trained professional should perform.

If you are the dentist in this scenario, you may want to show a short demonstration video of what the procedure will look like. Many dental care experts find that this allows them to set parental and patient expectations in a way that greatly removes stress and uncertainty.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Varnishing?

Although fluoride is completely safe for use on toddler and child teeth when applied professionally, it may cause a short-lived, mild form of yellow discolouration in the hours immediately after application. Monitoring the discolouration and speaking with a trained professional is something that will put parents’ minds at ease.

If you are applying the treatment to a young patient, making their parents aware of this possible yet completely harmless side effect is recommended. Doing so will put their mind at ease and show that you have their best interests at heart.

Does Fluoride Varnish Affect Eating?

No, there are no changes to the child’s bite, tooth profile or sense of taste as a result of having a fluoride varnish applied. Dentists who believe in a pragmatic approach to such treatments may wish to make parents aware that the varnish can take several hours to fully dry and cure.

Advising that nothing is eaten or drunk for 2 to 3 hours after the treatment will help ensure that it has time to fully take effect. Dentists may also want to recommend switching to a soft-bristle toothbrush for 24 hours after the treatment has been applied.

Where Can You Get Fluoride Varnish?

Fluoride varnishing is a treatment that should only ever be delivered by a fully trained dental professional or hygienist. Every practice that offers this form of treatment will source their preferred type of fluoride varnish from a specialist nationwide supplier who can ensure consistency of formulation and reliability of supply.

What Does Varnish Prevent?

Cavities will quickly form in a child’s teeth once the delicate yet vital protective enamel has been damaged or stripped away. The issue with a cavity is it then becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and can be hard to clean when food debris becomes lodged. Preventing cavity formation will stop more serious decay, nerve damage and the need to have damaged teeth removed before they are naturally replaced by adult teeth.