Fluoride varnish: What is it and how does it work?
Fluoride is natural
Fluoride can be found everywhere – in the air, in our water and in our food. It is a mineral naturally present in soil and water, as well as some food likes fish and fruit.
Fluoride is scientifically proven to strengthen teeth, making them more resistant to decay, compared to teeth that haven’t been exposed to fluoride.
What is fluoride varnish?
Fluoride is a pale, yellow, gel which is painted on to children’s teeth using a soft brush. The varnish sets quickly and has a pleasant taste and a fruity smell. Many scientific studies have shown it to be effective in reducing tooth decay in children, when used in addition to brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste. Your child should be offered fluoride varnish at least twice-yearly from the age of two years by their dentist.
School fluoride varnish programme
Your child might be invited to be part of a school or nursery fluoride varnish programme. A dental team will visit to see children in small groups.
If your child has already received fluoride varnish from the dentist, it is safe for them to have it applied at their school or nursery. They will receive additional benefits and their teeth will come to no harm.
You should let your dentist know if it has recently been applied at nursery or school. This allows the dental team to space out your child’s fluoride varnish applications for maximum benefit.
For more information about our school fluoride programmes, watch this short film:
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The amount is important
Although fluoride is very good for our teeth, it is important to use the right amount.
Children who swallow too much fluoride over a long period of time may develop white spots on their teeth, although this is very unlikely. This is not tooth decay.
Brush your child’s teeth and gums at least twice daily, in the morning and last thing at night.
Use toothpaste containing at least 1,000 parts per million (ppm) fluoride. You should use only a smear for children under three-years-old and a pea-sized amount for children under six-years-old.
Contact us
0300 123 4412
kcht.dentalhelpdesk@nhs.net
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm
Referral team
0330 123 9438
kcht.communitydentalservice@nhs.net
Post to Capital House, Jubilee Way, Faversham, Kent ME13 8GD
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm
This information should only be followed on the advice of a healthcare professional.
Do you have feedback about our health services?
0800 030 4550
Text 07899 903499
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm
kentchft.PALS@nhs.net
www.kentcht.nhs.uk/PALS
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
Trinity House, 110-120 Upper Pemberton
Ashford
Kent
TN25 4AZ
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