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What is fluoride varnish and how is it applied?

Fluoride varnish is a professionally applied preventive fluoride treatment. Fluoride varnish strengthens the tooth enamel and makes teeth more resistant to tooth decay. Fluoride varnish can be especially helpful for young children and children with special health care needs. The varnish sticks to the teeth, which helps reduce the amount of fluoride swallowed. Fluoride varnish may be applied to children's teeth by a dentist, dental hygienist, physician, or other licensed health professional with state authority. Fluoride varnish is usually applied from two to four times per year, depending on the child’s risk for tooth decay.

Performance Standards

1304.20(c)(3)(i)

References

ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. 2006. Professionally applied topical fluoride: Evidence -based clinical recommendations. Journal of the American Dental Association 137(8):1151-1159.

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Council on Clinical Affaris. 2004. Clinical guidelines on periodicity of examination, preventive dental services, anticipatory guidance and oral treatment for children. Pediatric Dentistry Reference Manual.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2001. Recommendations for using fluoride to prevent and control dental caries in the United States. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: Recommendations and Reports 50(RR-14):1-42.

Lewis C, Lynch H, Richardson L. 2005. Fluoride varnish use in primary care: What do providers think? Pediatrics 115(1):69-76.

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	Library Publications MCHB-Funded Projects Grants Administration TOHSS Head Start Alert Newsletter FAQs Links Bright Futures Toolbox Electronic Lists & Newsletters Links About Us FAQs Contact	A⁺ a^- Head Start What is fluoride varnish and how is it applied? Fluoride varnish is a professionally applied preventive fluoride treatment. Fluoride varnish strengthens the tooth enamel and makes teeth more resistant to tooth decay. Fluoride varnish can be especially helpful for young children and children with special health care needs. The varnish sticks to the teeth, which helps reduce the amount of fluoride swallowed. Fluoride varnish may be applied to children's teeth by a dentist, dental hygienist, physician, or other licensed health professional with state authority. Fluoride varnish is usually applied from two to four times per year, depending on the child’s risk for tooth decay. Performance Standards 1304.20(c)(3)(i) References ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. 2006. Professionally applied topical fluoride: Evidence -based clinical recommendations. Journal of the American Dental Association 137(8):1151-1159. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Council on Clinical Affaris. 2004. Clinical guidelines on periodicity of examination, preventive dental services, anticipatory guidance and oral treatment for children. Pediatric Dentistry Reference Manual. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2001. Recommendations for using fluoride to prevent and control dental caries in the United States. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: Recommendations and Reports 50(RR-14):1-42. Lewis C, Lynch H, Richardson L. 2005. Fluoride varnish use in primary care: What do providers think? Pediatrics 115(1):69-76. Share \|
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