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What is Fluoride Varnish?
As a parent, your goal is the health and wellness of your child. At Children’s Dental Zone, we share that goal. From your at-home dental routine to regular dental appointments to preventative procedures, we believe that a well-rounded approach to oral health is what will result in a healthy, growing child.
Children’s mouths are susceptible to decay if not properly cared for in advance of the appearance of cavities. We can provide an extra layer of protection for your child through preventative services like fluoride varnish. But what exactly is fluoride varnish and how can it help?
Read on to learn more!
What is Fluoride Varnish?
Fluoride varnish is a type of fluoride that we “paint” on children’s teeth to prevent cavities. The best time to apply a fluoride treatment is right after a cleaning because the pumice paste that polishes the teeth removes the enamel-rich layer of the tooth.
When scheduling your appointment with Children’s Dental Zone, make sure that you request for your child to have a fluoride varnish treatment after their cleaning.
How does fluoride actually work when applied to the teeth?
Fluoride varnish is the best type of fluoride because it is slow release and stays on the teeth for several hours while continuing to work. Fluoride gel stops working after 30 minutes.
Another advantage to the varnish is that only a small amount is applied on the teeth – which makes the amount of fluoride ingested almost negligible!
We tell our patients to not brush after we apply the varnish for the rest of the day. The reason why we say this is because after it is applied on the teeth it re-mineralizes weaker areas of the teeth and reduces the chances of cavities.
Fascinating, right?
Is fluoride safe?
We know you want to make wise and informed decisions for your children. We want the same! Fluoride varnish is actually used worldwide to help prevent cavities and decay from happening!
As noted above, only a small amount of fluoride is actually used in the treatment, but it’s effects are long-lasting.
The application of the fluoride varnish only takes a few minutes. The varnish will stay on the rest of the day and your child can brush their teeth first thing in the morning. They can eat and drink normally while the varnish stays on.
If you have any lingering questions or anxieties about choosing fluoride varnish, please call our office and speak to a member of our team.
Schedule an appointment today!
We count it a privilege to care for your family and know that you are partnering with us so that your child will have the foundations for good health! Our office has a convenient location in Johns Creek, GA and our hours are flexible to meet the demands of your family’s schedule.
Call us today at 770-777-1222 to schedule your child’s fluoride varnish treatment. We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!
Lindsay Davis RDH
