If we thought about what causes tooth decay, there could be many factors that can put individuals at higher risk to develop dental caries or tooth decay. These factors include frequent intake of refined & sticky carbohydrates, accumulation of plaques and tartar over teeth surfaces, and inadequate brushing or flossing after meals. 

Several dental cleaning treatments were introduced to help reduce the incidence of tooth decay and other periodontal diseases, especially for children or patients with bad oral hygiene. They include regular cleaning, and application of fluoride in the form of gels, varnishes, or fluoridated toothpaste, thus improving the patient’s oral health.

 What is Fluoride Varnish?

Fluoride is one of the most important trace elements that effectively fight against tooth decay. Fluoride promotes the remineralization process of your teeth; it delays or even stops the progression or formation of new cavities. Fluoride varnish is one of the forms of fluoride topical application that can be used for children or adults after cleaning.

How does Fluoride Varnish work?

Before applying fluoride varnish, cleaning should be done to remove plaques & stains over teeth surfaces. When teeth surfaces are dry, fluoride varnish is applied over the selected teeth surfaces using small paint brushes. It hardens when it comes in contact with saliva, the patient is also instructed not to eat abrasive foods until the next morning to achieve the best results. It’s also advisable for adults not to drink alcohol for the first four hours as it dissolves the varnish.

Benefits of Fluoride Varnish

•  Reduced pain associated with sensitivity

After each cleaning, some patients might develop tooth sensitivity due to exposed root surfaces. Fluoride varnish Application is very effective in reducing pain as it seals dentinal tubules 

•   Arrest childhood caries 

Children are more prone to develop dental caries as they consume more carbohydrates, and they are not able to do regular brushing. Fluoride remineralizes initial cavities in the early stages, thus arresting the progression of tooth decay. Click the link for more information about our Pediatric Dentists near Jersey City NJ

•  Prevent Plaque formation 

Fluoride varnish suppresses the production of bacterial acids, inhibiting the formation or accumulation of plaque over teeth surfaces after cleaning by your hygienist.

•  Strengthen your teeth 

Enamel is the outer protective layer of our teeth which is formed of hydroxyapatite crystals. Fluoride application induces the formation of fluorapatite crystals which are stronger than hydroxyapatite crystals, making your teeth resistant to decay. 

• Safe for children 

Fluoride varnish contains low amounts of fluoride, and it’s difficult to be swallowed, making it the best option for children.

 Fluoride Varnishes Application for children 

For young children, there are many forms of fluoride varnishes that contain low amounts of fluoride ranging from 3 to 6 mg. After cleaning the teeth with toothbrushes, the varnish is painted. It’s retained for 24 hours to 48 hours, permitting slow release of fluoride during this period.  

What are Fluoridated Toothpastes?

Fluoridated Toothpaste is one of the self-applied methods of fluoride delivery. They are applied at home by the patient, they have anti-caries action by slow release of fluoride. 

• Sodium Fluoride Toothpastes

They contain active fluoride ions that are slowly released into the mouth, thus preventing tooth decay. Silicon abrasives may be incorporated into the toothpaste to enhance the bleaching effect of the toothpaste.

•  How to apply Fluoridated Toothpastes

Fluoridated toothpaste can be applied twice daily, but the most important time is before you go to sleep. You can apply it with a toothbrush over all tooth surfaces. The time of brushing ranges between two to three minutes. The amount applied could vary according to the concentration of fluoride in the toothpaste, it’s recommended that the concentration of fluoride in the toothpaste doesn’t exceed 1500 ppm to avoid fluoride toxicity. `

  Conclusion 

Fluoride varnish application is one of the most important dental procedures to be done after each cleaning by your hygienist as it shows several benefits including pain relief associated with exposed root surfaces, reducing your chances of developing cavities, reducing plaque accumulation after cleaning, and getting better oral health. 

To book a dental cleaning with a Dentist serving Jersey City schedule an appointment today by calling our friendly staff at (201) 565-0880