Maintaining good overall health requires taking proper care of your teeth. Fluoride varnish is a protective coating applied to teeth to protect your teeth from cavities.
The CDC reports that one in five people suffer from untreated tooth decay. Fluoride varnish, applied twice a year, can prevent cavities in adults and reduce caries in children.
How Long To Leave Fluoride Varnish on Teeth? If applied in the dental office, as little as 10 seconds. At-home fluoride applications can last about two minutes. However, do not brush or floss for 4-6 hours.
How does Flouride Varnish work?
Topical fluorides remineralize enamel and inhibit bacterial metabolism, reducing plaque growth. These treatments can be given as paste, gel, foam, rinse, or varnish. Fluoride varnish comes in the form of a liquid or gel. It contains a high concentration of fluoride and can be applied as a thin layer directly to the teeth. Fluoride is released into the enamel as it hardens.
In 2013, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs recommended 5% sodium fluoride varnish as a preventive treatment for caries prevention in adults.
Fluoride varnish can be most effective when used in conjunction with a comprehensive oral hygiene regimen that includes fluoride toothpaste, flossing, normal dental care, and a balanced diet. It cannot, however, totally prevent cavities.
Who can benefit from fluoride varnish application?
Fluoride treatments are beneficial for all age groups, including those with excessive wear, thin tooth enamel, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, or dental sensitivity after professional cleaning, enamel injury, or exposed dentine.
They can be performed at schools or daycares. Fluoride varnish is a non-invasive, quick, and simple treatment that can prevent tooth decay in children and prevent further decay. It reduces dental caries prevalence in baby teeth by 37% and permanent teeth by 43%.
Benefits of Fluoride Varnish
Fluoride varnish is used to prevent caries development. Fluoride varnish is also recommended for arresting or reversing non-cavitated lesions in primary and permanent teeth and arresting early enamel and even soft dentine caries through the promotion of remineralization of carious tooth substance. It is also used to treat tooth hypersensitivity.
Fluoride varnish Application Process
Fluoride varnish is applied to teeth after routine cleaning, drying with gauze, and typically applied twice yearly, dries quickly, and takes less than two minutes.
Post-application instructions
- Do not brush or floss for at least 4-6 hours. If possible, wait until the next morning to resume brushing and flossing.
- Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after application and stick to a soft diet for the rest of the day.
- Avoid hot drinks, alcohol, acidic juices, and carbonated beverages for the rest of today.
Recommended Duration for Leaving Flouride Varnish on Teeth
Professional application: To achieve optimal results, dry teeth by rubbing a cotton sponge along the surfaces to remove bio-film. Apply a thin coat of varnish evenly to all desired tooth surfaces, let it dry for 10 seconds, and close the mouth. The varnish hardens on contact with saliva, so patients can leave immediately. Patients should consume soft foods and drink cold liquids for two hours post-treatment.
At-home application: Fluoride varnish is applied to teeth after routine cleaning, drying with gauze, and typically applied twice yearly, dries quickly, and takes less than two minutes.
Frequency of application: The ICDAS Foundation recommends professional application twice a year for moderate caries risk, and four times a year for high risk.
FAQ’s
Why is fluoride varnish application recommended?
Cavities can result in discomfort and infections and affect one’s day-to-day life. Fluoride varnish strengthens teeth, stops the progression of cavities, and helps prevent cavities from developing again.
Is fluoride varnish safe?
Indeed. Varnish with fluoride is safe for all ages. Speak with your dentist or physician if you have any questions or concerns about using fluoride varnish.
How is fluoride varnish applied?
Teeth are treated with fluoride varnish with a brush by a dentist, dental hygienist, physician, or nurse with training. There is no discomfort or unpleasant taste, and the procedure is quick and simple. Teeth that have a varnish applied to them may appear momentarily discolored or less glossy. These are natural alterations that will disappear the next day when the teeth are brushed.
How long does fluoride varnish last?
Teeth stay protected for several months by fluoride varnish. It functions best when administered again every three to six months.
