… for children from the first tooth through age 6
WHAT ARE FLUORIDE APPLICATIONS?
Fluoride varnish is a dental application that can help prevent tooth decay or stop it from getting worse. This dental varnish is made with fluoride, a mineral that can strengthen tooth enamel, which is the outer coating of the teeth.
SHOULD MY CHILD GET FLUORIDE VARNISH?
Yes. Fluoride varnish is used to help slow tooth decay and strengthen the enamel of your child’s teeth. Your pediatrician will apply the varnish starting when the first tooth erupts at well-child visits.
HOW OFTEN?
The fluoride coating will work best if it is painted on the teeth 3 – 4 times a year. So even though your child may be getting varnish applications at the dentist, your pediatrician well-child visits are also an opportunity to protect your child’s teeth.
IS IT SAFE?
Yes, fluoride varnish is safe and used by healthcare providers all over the world to help prevent tooth decay in children. Fluoride varnish can be used on babies from the time they have their first tooth.
ORAL CARE AFTER FLUORIDE TREATMENT
Your child can eat and drink right after the fluoride varnish is applied but try to refrain from giving your child crunchy food or hot liquids for 6 hours. Do not brush or floss teeth for 4-6 hours.
TAKE ACTION TODAY!
Ask your dentist to be sure your child is getting fluoride varnish applications. Ask your pediatrician to apply fluoride varnish during every well-child visit. More and more medical practitioners are trained to safely perform this service, so be sure your child is getting fluoride varnish at each visit. Aim for 3-4 applications per year.
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Call 855-CT-DENTAL
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republished from 6/17/21, 9/13/21, 5/20/22