Get your child on the right track for healthy teeth and gums from an early age. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that children go to the dentist by the time their first tooth comes in or they reach the age of one year (whichever comes first). We invite you to make our pediatric practice a dental home for your child.
Tooth decay is one of the most common diseases, and all children are susceptible—some more than others. For that reason, your pediatrician might recommend that your child get a fluoride varnish treatment that can be repeated two to four times per year. The treatment recommendation is based on how high your child is at risk for developing cavities.
Read on for more information about fluoride varnish from your Palos Heights pediatric dentist Palos Pediatric Dentistry.
What Is Fluoride Varnish—and Is It Safe for Kids?
Most of us know that the fluoride in our drinking water not only strengthens our teeth but it can also help prevent tooth decay. Fluoride varnish is brushed onto the teeth to help prevent cavities. Fluoride varnish is not foolproof when it comes to preventing cavities, and it works best when good oral care is practiced on a daily basis.
Fluoride varnish is used safely all over the country by dentists and doctors. The application is quick, and the substance hardens quickly before being brushed off four to twelve hours later. It can make your child’s teeth look yellow or dull temporarily, but this goes away once it is brushed off.
What Is the Application Process for Fluoride Varnish?
Your pediatrician or dentist will use a small brush to paint the varnish onto the tops and sides of the teeth. The sticky substance hardens when it comes into contact with saliva. Your child cannot lick it off. There is no pain associated with the application, although some children might find it invasive and experience some anxiety.
The entire process takes just a few minutes.
After treatment, your child can eat and drink, but foods should be soft and beverages cool.
Find out more about fluoride varnish at your Palos Heights pediatric dentist Dr. Richard Facko.
