Fluoride Varnish is a protective coating
that is painted on teeth to help prevent new cavities and to help stop cavities
that have already started.
The paint on Fluoride Varnish is sticky, so it attaches to the teeth easily and
makes the outer layer (enamel) of the teeth harder, helping to prevent
cavities.
Tooth decay is one of the most common preventable diseases seen in children. Children as young as 12-18 months can get cavities. Cavities in children's teeth can cause pain and prevent children from eating, speaking, sleeping and learning.
A trained health professional will apply the Fluoride Varnish to your child's teeth.
The Fluoride Varnish sticks to the teeth until brushed away the next day, however, the benefits of the Fluoride will last for several months. Fluoride Varnish should be reapplied every 3-4 months for the best results.
This program is free.
The Fluoride Varnish is painted on the teeth with a small disposable brush. It is quick, painless, easy and does not have a bad taste.
Yes, your child should still see a dentist regularly. This is not a substitute for daily brushing and flossing or regular dental checkups.
Do not brush your child's teeth until the
next day.
Do not eat hard or chewy foods or chew gum on the treatment day. This
might chip the Fluoride Varnish off.
The Fluoride Varnish is yellow, therefore, teeth will appear yellow for 24
hours. This yellow color will go away when the teeth are brushed the next
day.
Children taking fluoride supplements (drops or tablets) should discontinue the
use of the supplements for 3 days after following the treatment.
Children who are at risk for dental decay or do not live in communities with fluoridated water benefit from the application of Fluoride (Varnish) to their teeth to help stop or prevent decay.
Yes, Fluoride Varnish can be used on babies from the time they have their first teeth. Only a small amount of fluoride varnish is used.
Fluoride Varnish is recommended for children of all ages, including infants. Fluoride Varnish is an effective replacement for weekly school fluoride mouthrinse programs.
Yes, your child can benefit from Fluoride Varnish treatments with or without previous dental work.
To learn more about Fluoride Varnish talk to your dentist, or contact: Rebecca Maino, RDH, BS Marquette County Health Department 906-315-2615 or the Michigan Department of Community Health Oral Health Program 517-335-8388 visit www.mqthealth.org or www.michigan.gov or www.ada.org (Thanks to the Michigan Department of Community Health for help with this form.) |