Fluoride Varnish Treatments

Why we use Flouride Varnish

When coming in for a regular cleaning, many in-office treatments will include the application of fluoride to prevent cavities and keep teeth healthy between visits.  Our office chooses to use fluoride varnish instead of foam fluoride for a number of reasons including ease of application, long-term effectiveness, and patient safety.

Comparing the effectiveness of foam fluoride and fluoride varnish, studies show that varnish reduces the chances of forming cavities by 50% in adults and 70% in children; compared to just 25% and 40% when foam fluoride is applied.  This is partly due to the fact that varnish is applied directly onto the tooth which allows it to adhere to the teeth quickly and effectively.  The American Dental Association even recommends fluoride varnish over foam varnish due to the lower risk of ingestion that occurs with foam application.

In addition to its increased safety and effectiveness, fluoride varnish is also more comfortable to apply during an appointment and more convenient afterwards.  Since varnish is applied directly to the teeth, there is no need for the large trays that occasionally trigger a patient’s gag reflex.  Furthermore, the sticky varnish remains on the teeth much longer after application which allows a patient to eat and drink sooner versus the foam application that requires time to absorb into the teeth.