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The role of fluoride is especially important for children as it improves the quality of dental enamel (the strong outer layer of the teeth) in their developing teeth and makes their new teeth more resistant to cavities. As part of your child’s preventive dental care program at our office, fluoride varnish is applied during their routine checkup appointments and if indicated at regular intervals between these visits.
Fluoride varnish is a topically applied product that is brushed onto all sides of your child’s teeth. It is a completely safe and painless procedure that takes just a couple of minutes from start to finish. Once applied on the tooth, the fluoride is absorbed into the dental enamel and begins its job of strengthening the outer surface of the tooth. It is like a magical shield that helps with fighting off the sugars and bacteria that cause cavities.
Following the application of the fluoride varnish, your child does not have to wait to eat or drink. The only restriction is that foods are soft and not crunchy for the rest of the day. Brushing and flossing may be postponed for several hours.
While fluoride varnish can help prevent cavities and slow their progression, it is not a guarantee against dental decay. Optimal dental health for your child involves an excellent oral hygiene regimen at home, routine dental care and eating a healthy diet.
