Fluoride application

Aesthetic Dentistry » Fluoride application

Fluoride application

This type of fluoride must be painted on the teeth with a cotton tip applicator. The second method of fluoride application is the use of a concentrated ...

Fluorides have been used for many years to help prevent dental decay. Today, most dental professionals apply fluoride in their offices as a foam, gel or varnish. Fluoride varnish (5% sodium fluoride) has been widely used in Europe for several decades and its use is increasing in the United States. Varnish comes in tubes for multiple applications using a cotton swab or as prepackaged single doses with a small disposable applicator brush.

 

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:

  1. Varnish now comes in child-friendly flavors and is easily tolerated, especially by infants, toddlers and developmentally disabled children.
  2. 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.
  3. Fluoride varnish is safe and poses less risk of an adverse reaction because only a small amount is used and less is swallowed.
  4. 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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