Fluoride varnish is a solution that the dentist (dental hygienist, or doctor) applies to the surface of the teeth to protect the enamel from wear and tear. It hardens over the teeth to provide a layer of protection against tooth decay, as well as repairing and reducing decay that has already started.
How to apply a fluoride varnish
The dentist (dental hygienist or other health care provider) uses a piece of gauze to clean and dry the teeth. A small brush is dipped into the fluoride varnish solution and used to apply the solution to clean, dry teeth. The solution is painted, starting from the front to the back and from the top to the bottom of the teeth.
Unlike a simple fluoride rinse, fluoride varnish becomes sticky and, when it meets saliva, hardens to protect the teeth. The whole process only takes a few minutes. Fluoride varnish can be reapplied as often as every three months.
According to New York State Department of Healthchildren who apply fluoride varnish four times a year have fewer cavities than those who do not receive the varnish regularly.
Sometimes a pediatrician or other health care provider will prescribe and apply fluoride varnish for children who are too young to start seeing the dentist regularly.
How does it work
The fluoride varnish flows into the small cracks and fissures in the tooth enamel, making the tooth harder. Its main action is to prevent cavities from forming while slowing the progression of any cavities that have already started.
Fluoride varnish repairs the tooth without the traditional tooth restoration procedure (drilling, filling or tooth covering). Of course, if a cavity is large, varnish treatment alone will not be enough to repair the damage and traditional restoration will be required.
Aftercare instructions
After the fluoride varnish procedure is complete, avoid brushing until the next day and avoid alcohol, hot liquids, and sticky, chewy food for four to six hours after the procedure. The actual polish box will have specific instructions. Colgate PreviDent Varnish (a commonly used varnish), for example, suggests eating only soft foods for two hours after application.
When young children have the fluoride varnish procedure, it may be best to schedule an appointment in the late afternoon to minimize the time the child has to be without food.
Does fluoride varnish discolor teeth?
To begin with, some brands of fluoride varnish will discolor the teeth slightly. The next day, after brushing the teeth, they will return to their original color. This is because the polish stays on overnight and the outer coating is removed in the morning. A layer of varnish remains on the enamel to protect the teeth.
Possible Side Effects
There are no known significant side effects of fluoride varnish. considered safe due to the minimal amount of fluoride ingested. Some dentists and doctors even recommend fluoride varnish treatments for very young children and babies as soon as they start teething.
However, although the procedure is relatively safe, it is up to the dentist (or doctor) to decide whether fluoride varnish is needed. Some children use prescription fluoride rinses or fluoride vitamins. The dentist may still think that fluoride varnish could be beneficial, particularly for children who are prone to tooth decay.
Contraindications
A contraindication is a factor or condition in which a particular medical treatment (or drug) could harm a person. Fluoride varnish is contraindicated when there are visible sores in the mouth. In some cases, people may have allergies to ingredients in a particular varnish, so it is important to ask your dentist what is in the varnish being used.
Sealants Versus Fluoride Varnish
Many people wonder what the difference is between fluoride varnish and dental sealants. While fluoride varnish is a sticky paste that is professionally applied to the entire surface of the teeth (to help protect the teeth from decay), dental sealants are a resin-based material that is applied to the cavities and grooves of the biting surfaces of the teeth. back teeth.
Interestingly, one study showed that when children received both dental sealants and fluoride varnish, the incidence of tooth decay was lower than when only one type of preventive treatment was given.,,
A systematic Cochrane database review study revealed:
- Resin-based sealants reduced caries by 3.7% (over a two-year period) in children’s permanent teeth.
- Application of resin-based sealants together with fluoride varnish reduced the incidence of caries by 14.4% (over a two-year period) compared to fluoride varnish alone.,,
In several systematics review studies involving 5- to 9-year-old children in the US, UK, Hong Kong, Denmark and several other countries, the study authors concluded that applying 2.26% fluoride varnish at least twice a year prevented the dental cavity.,,
What is remineralization?
Teeth are by no means indestructible. Although enamel (the outermost layer of the tooth) is one of the hardest parts of the body, it is vulnerable to damage.
The tooth is hard because it is mineralized with calcium and phosphates. Bacteria in the mouth create a type of acid that attacks tooth enamel, resulting in a process called descaling.
When the enamel starts to break down, the body has a natural process of strengthening the tooth. This process is referred to as remineralization.
Enamel is not made up of living cells (like bone). Unfortunately, once broken, it cannot be regenerated. This is why remineralization takes place, to help repair the enamel before cavities occur.
A 2016 review of several studies found that fluoride varnish was effective in remineralizing early childhood dental caries (caries). In fact, the overall incidence of remineralization that occurred as a result of fluoride varnish treatment was 65% higher than in those who did not receive fluoride varnish.,,
A word from Verywell
Fluoride varnish treatment to prevent tooth decay is considered safe and effective for children of all ages. Treatment can begin as soon as a baby starts teething. Parents of those children (and babies) who are prone to tooth decay (especially those who do not have fluoridated water), may want to discuss the use of fluoride varnish for tooth decay prevention and long-term oral health.
