Is Fluoride Varnish Safe for my Child?

Fluoride varnish is topical fluoride solution applied to the teeth, to help protect the dental enamel and keep teeth fresh, healthy, and decay-free. Children can receive fluoride varnish at regular dentist visits.  

Read the below guide to learn more about fluoride varnish treatments, and what you need to know to keep your child smiling for a lifetime!

What is Fluoride Varnish? 

Fluoride varnish (5% sodium fluoride) is a topical application fortified with fluoride, a mineral that helps protect the enamel of the teeth, reducing the risk of dental decay and cavities by 30-35%. Fluoride doesn’t remove plaque or bacteria from the teeth: rather, it strengthens the enamel to reduce the risk of plaque penetrating deeper into the tooth. 

Your child’s dentist or pediatrician may apply a fluoride varnish as part of their routine cleaning or doctor’s visit. Or your child’s preschool or school may do a school-wide fluoride varnish treatment several times a year. In addition, there are at-home varnish option that can be applied by parents or caregivers by following package instructions. 

The varnishing treatment works best when applied 2-4 times a year.

How Does Fluoride Varnish Work? 

Fluoride varnish is a safe liquid treatment applied topically to the front and sides of the teeth. It is painted on the teeth, and then forms a seal when it makes contact with saliva. The dental varnish forms a protective barrier that keeps plaque from seeping deeper into the tooth, and strengthens the enamel. Researchers have found that fluoride varnish can decrease the incidence of cavities by 30-35%.  

The varnish doesn’t hurt to apply, but some children may cry during application out of fear or discomfort at having their mouth touched. The varnish seals and dries quickly and has a pleasant taste.  

Once varnishing is complete, you don’t have to do anything: the dental varnish is working! You should avoid giving your child hard or sticky foods for a day after treatment. Their saliva and/or teeth may be tinged a bit yellow, due to the color of the varnish before it dries clear, but this will disappear within a day or two. 

The fluoride varnish eventually fades, which is why it works best when applied 2-4 times a year. It is not a substitute for regular brushing and flossing: all children, from their first tooth, should brush regularly with an appropriate amount of fluoride-treated toothpaste

Is Fluoride Varnish Effective? 

Yes, fluoride varnish is an effective treatment to protect dental enamel and decrease the risk for cavities and dental decay.  

Fluoride varnish contains 5% sodium fluoride, which is a mineral that helps protect dental enamel and reduces the risk of cavities or dental caries. Research on fluoride varnish has found that regular, appropriate use of the treatment decreases the incidence of cavities in children by 30-35%, when paired with a proper oral hygiene routine including daily brushing and flossing.  

Fluoride varnish is a supplemental fluoride treatment: others include fluoride pills, fluoride pastes, and fluoride mouthrinses. Supplemental fluoride has long been known to decrease tooth decay and adult tooth loss – it is an important part of your child’s healthcare.  

To set your child up for a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles, regular fluoride varnishing is a powerful and effective treatment!

Is Fluoride Varnish Safe? 

Yes, fluoride varnish is very safe for both kids and adults. It is an effective method to protect dental enamel and reduce the risk of cavities.  

Some children may be allergic to the fluoride varnish: children with known allergies to colophony (sticking plaster) and/or pine nuts may have an allergy to fluoride varnish. If you have concerns about potential allergic reactions to fluoride varnishing, consult your dentist, doctor, or allergist for more information.  

Fluoride varnish contains safe and healthy amount of fluoride. Appropriate use has not been linked to fluorosis, a condition in adult teeth caused by ingesting too much fluoride as a child. Consult with your child’s dentist to make sure your child is getting the appropriate amount of fluoride.

When Should Kids Get Fluoride Varnish? 

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children ages 6 months to 16 years get some amount of fluoride every. Much of this can be accounted for by daily brushing with a fluoride-fortified toothpaste, but visiting the dentist to receive regular fluoride varnishing is an important and effective supplement.  

Your child’s dentist or pediatrician can start applying dental varnish as soon as the first tooth appears, with recurring treatments 2-4 times a year.

Are There Side Effects of Fluoride Varnish? 

While fluoride offers important benefits to the health of your child’s tooth, it is important that they not consume too much fluoride, as this can lead to fluorosis.  

Fluorosis is caused when children ingest too much fluoride while their adult teeth are still under the gum line. When they grow in, adult teeth affected by fluorosis can have white lacy spots on their teeth, or in extreme cases, darker spot and pitting on the dental surface.  

To avoid fluorosis, don’t treat your child with fluoride varnishes more frequently than advised by your dentist. Talk to your child’s dentist or pediatrician about additional fluoride supplements, such as pills, before giving these to your child. Find out if your municipal tap water is treated with fluoride (the CDC offers this county-level guide on fluoride-treated water systems).  

Be sure to store fluoride treatments (including toothpaste) out of reach of curious toddlers – ingesting too much fluoride can lead to acute toxicity, leading to nausea, diarrhea, or in very extreme cases, death. If your child has consumed too much fluoride, contact your local poison control center or call 911. 

If your toddler is getting the right amount of fluoride, you don’t need to worry about fluorosis in their adult teeth, or fluoride toxicity. The dental varnish treatment is safe and painless. After the treatment, your child’s teeth or saliva may appear slightly yellow, but this will disappear over the first day or two after treatment.

Fluoride Varnish vs. Foam  

Topical fluoride treatments come in several methods: besides fluoride dental varnishing, another popular option is fluoride foam. Fluoride foam uses a topical foam made of 5% sodium fluoride, inserted into trays, which are then placed over the teeth for 5-10 minutes. The treatment is different, but the aim is the same: to coat the teeth in a layer of fluoride to protect the enamel and diminish the risk of dental caries.  

Research has found that of the two, fluoride varnish is more effective and lasts longer than fluoride foam. The varnish forms a seal when it comes into contact with saliva, creating a protective barrier that allows the fluoride to seep into the teeth for as long as 7 days. The foam is washed away much more quickly by the saliva, offering less time for the fluoride to seep into the teeth. 

Fluoride foam was historically the more popular option amongst dentists in the U.S., but since fluoride varnishing was approved for use the U.S. in 1991, it has steadily grown in popularity. More dentists and pediatricians now prefer dental varnish to fluoride foam.  

That said, both varnish and foam fluoride treatments are useful and effective methods for providing your child’s necessary fluoride intake to protect their oral health. Either one should be used regularly as part of their regular oral hygiene routine: daily brushing and flossing, regular dentist visits, and a healthy diet.

Is Fluoride Varnish Just for Kids? 

Fluoride has benefits for teeth of all ages! Adults benefit from regular fluoride treatment as well, to protect their dental enamel and reduce the risk of cavities or dental caries. Adults with higher risk of dental decay should consider regular fluoride treatment to reduce the effects of the decay. 

Your dentist may offer adult varnishing, or you can purchase an at-home kit to varnish your teeth at home. Follow the instructions carefully, and only apply treatment as often as recommended by the packaging or your dentist.