What is topical fluoride?
Topical fluoride comes in a number of different forms. Gels and foams are placed in fluoride trays and applied at the dental office after your child’s teeth have been thoroughly cleaned. Fluoride varnish is one of the newer forms of topical fluoride applied at the dentist office. It has been documented to be safe and effective to fight dental decay through a long history of use in Europe.
A. Topical fluoride comes in a number of different forms. Gels and foams are placed in fluoride trays and applied at the dental office after your child’s teeth have been thoroughly cleaned. Fluoride varnish is one of the newer forms of topical fluoride applied at the dentist office. It has been documented to be safe and effective to fight dental decay through a long history of use in Europe.
Topical fluoride comes in a number of different forms. Gels and foams are placed in fluoride trays and applied at the dental office after your child’s teeth have been thoroughly cleaned. Fluoride varnish is one of the newer forms of topical fluoride applied at the dentist office. It has been documented to be safe and effective to fight dental decay through a long history of use in Europe. The advantages of varnish are: • Easily and quickly applied to the teeth • Decreases the potential amount of fluoride digested. • Continues to “soak” fluoride into the enamel for approximately 24 hours after the original application. This method is especially useful in young patients and those with special needs that may not tolerate fluoride trays comfortably. Children who benefit the most from fluoride are those at highest risk for dental decay. Risk factors include a history of decay, high sucrose carbohydrate diet, orthodontic appliances and certain medical conditions such as dry mouth.
