Which Children Would Most Benefit
From Fluoride Varnish?
Fluoride varnish is not a substitute
for fluoridated water or toothpaste, but provides an
added benefit (up to 38%) for children who are at
high risk for dental decay. Some factors that put
children at high risk include insufficient sources
of dietary fluoride, high carbohydrate diets,
caretakers who transmit decay-causing bacteria to
their children via their saliva, areas of tooth
decalcification, reduced salivary flow and poor oral
hygiene. The younger the child is when the varnish
is applied to the primary teeth, the
better-usually as soon as the front teeth erupt in
the mouth.
How is Fluoride Varnish Different
From Other Professionally Applied Fluorides?
Fluoride varnish offers several
advantages over other professionally applied
fluorides:
- Varnish now comes in child-friendly flavors
and is easily tolerated, especially by infants,
toddlers and developmentally disabled children.
- Providers find it easy to use and fast to
apply. Fluoride varnish can be swabbed directly
on the teeth in less than 3 minutes and sets
within a minute of contact with saliva. Gels and
foams require use of suction, air-drying the
teeth, trays that may trigger gag reflexes and
several minutes of contact with the teeth.
- Fluoride varnish is safe and poses less risk
of an adverse reaction because only a small
amount is used and less is swallowed.
- It can be applied in any setting and does not
require the use of dental equipment or
instruments.
Who Can Apply Fluoride
Varnish in California?
Dental professionals are not the
only health professionals who can apply fluoride
varnish. The Medical Board of California has stated
that there is nothing in the Medical Practice Act
that precludes the application of fluoride varnish
by a physician. The procedure can also be delegated
to a nurse or medical assistant.
How is Fluoride Varnish
Applied?
| Fluoride
varnish is most easily applied to the teeth
of infants and toddlers in the
"knee-to-knee" position, with the
parent sitting in one chair and the
clinician in another. This allows better
access and control of the head by the
clinician, and the parent can help with
communication. The procedure can also be
done on an exam table. |
|
Remove plaque and food debris from
the teeth with a toothbrush, cotton gauze, or a
cotton roll. Don't excessively dry the teeth
because varnish needs saliva to set properly. Using
a toothbrush promotes demonstration and discussion
of toothbrushing with the caregiver and makes sure
the child has a child-size brush. Toothbrushes are
inexpensive if purchased in bulk and show the parent
you believe oral health is important.
Paint the varnish on all sides of
the teeth as a very thin film; the slight yellow or
tooth-colored tint aids in seeing how much is
applied. The child can leave immediately after the
application; the layer of varnish stays on the teeth
for 6-8 hours.
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