Lakeview Pediatrics is now offering fluoride varnish right within our practice. Fluoride Varnish provides extra protection against tooth decay, so we can keep your children teeth healthy.
Fluoride varnish is a gel that is painted onto your child’s teeth. The entire process is administered quickly, typically under two minutes. A small piece of gauze is used to clean and dry the teeth. The varnish is then painted onto the teeth with a small, soft brush. The varnish forms a sticky covering to the tooth and becomes hard as soon as saliva in the mouth touches it. The varnish sets quickly and has a pleasant smell and taste.
The fluoride in the varnish enters the tooth enamel and makes the tooth hard. It prevents new cavities and slows down or stops decay from getting worse. If tooth decay is just starting, it can repair the tooth.
Yes, fluoride varnish is very safe. In fact, it can even be used on babies from the time they have their first tooth. Because the varnish is painted onto teeth and only a very small amount is used, almost no fluoride is swallowed by the child.
It is recommended to apply fluoride varnish 4 times a year. Studies show that children who receive fluoride varnish every three months have fewer cavities than those who receive it less often.
Fluoride varnish is covered by most insurance providers at this time.
Should you have any questions or concerns about fluoride varnish, we encourage you to speak with us or to learn more about this service follow the link:Fluoride Varnish: What Parents Need to Know