Research shows that fluoride varnish is highly effective at reducing tooth decay if it is applied twice a year. Fluoride varnish should be applied at least twice-yearly to all children.
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral that helps to prevent tooth decay. It can be found in toothpaste and fluoride varnish.
What is fluoride varnish and what is it used for?
Fluoride varnish is a pale, yellow, gel which is painted on to children’s teeth using a soft brush. The varnish sets quickly and has a pleasant taste and a fruity smell.
Childsmile at the dentist
Your child should be offered fluoride varnish application at least twice-yearly from the age of two years. This is applied to teeth at the dental practice by a member of the dental team.
You should let your dental practice know if fluoride varnish has recently been applied at nursery or school. This allows the dental practice to space out your child’s fluoride varnish applications to ensure maximum benefit.
Childsmile at nursery and school
If your child attends a nursery or school that is participating in the Childsmile Fluoride Varnish Programme, you will receive a consent form for them to take part in the programme. It is important that you complete and return this form. You will be contacted by Childsmile before each visit and given the opportunity to tell us about any changes to your child’s medical history and personal details.
The applications received in nursery and school are in addition to the two fluoride varnish applications received in your dental practice. They are safe and will give added protection to your child’s teeth.
You should let your dental practice know if fluoride varnish has recently been applied at nursery or school. This allows the dental
practice to space out your child’s fluoride varnish applications to ensure the maximum benefit.
On the day of application
Fluoride varnish may not be applied if your child has sore areas in or around their mouth.
Some children may not have fluoride varnish applied if they have previously been hospitalised due to asthma or allergies. For these children, a full risk assessment will be carried out by a dentist and a decision taken on whether fluoride varnish will be applied.
Aftercare instructions
After the fluoride varnish application your child should eat soft foods for the rest of the day, which will help the fluoride varnish stay on the teeth for longer. This will provide the best possible benefit.
Brush your child’s teeth and gums at least twice daily, in the morning and last thing at night. Use toothpaste containing at least 1,000 parts per million (ppm) fluoride.
Children who swallow too much fluoride over a long period of time may develop white spots on their teeth. This is not tooth decay. The risk of developing white spots as a result of fluoride varnish, or toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste, is very small.
For further information on the Childsmile Fluoride Varnish Programme please see the professionals Fluoride Varnish page.
If you have any queries please contact your local Childsmile Coordinator