Fluoride Varnishes

In addition to the improvements we witness in dentistry each day, protective treatments are also on the rise. These therapies aim to provide protection for your teeth before they decay. This is achieved by strengthening tooth enamels and making them more resistant to decays. Along with fissure sealant applications, fluoride varnishes are used on adults regularly, as on pre-school children.

Fluor varnishes include 5% sodium fluoride. This percentage is quite high, compared to toothpastes or mouthwash liquids. They increase the fluoride level in your enamels by 77% following their application.

(6 robler SR, oquard B, Rolla 6, flouride uptake by sound enamel atter in vivo Duraphant application J. Dent Assos S. Atr 1983; 38:55-58)

WHO CAN RECEIVE FLUORIDE VARNISH TREATMENTS?

-Teethed individuals between the ages 1 and 99 make use of fluoride varnishes as a prevention against tooth decay.

-Fluoride varnishes are also used to support mouth hygiene during orthodontic treatments.

-They may be used by individuals with a weak saliva structure and mouth dryness,

-By children under seven who lack the skills of manual manipulation, or adults and children who are mentally underdeveloped.

-By people with a high risk of having tooth decays due to a dry mouth that is caused by their cancer treatments,

-By bedridden patients,

-By individuals with a higher decay incidence (probability of encountering decays) or in fields of protective dentistry where tooth decay prevention is required,

-To end the sensitivity following a tartar cleanup,

-To end the sensitivity on the areas without enamel that occurs at the base of teeth due to grinding or incorrect brushing.

WHO CANNOT RECEIVE FLUORIDE VARNISH TREATMENTS?

-They should not be applied on individuals with gum inflammation, as well as patients with stomatitis.

APPLYING FLUORIDE VARNISHES

Before the application the surfaces of your teeth are cleaned and then, the varnish is applied at the base of your teeth. It dries in between 30 seconds and 2 minutes, adhering to your dental surfaces like wax and fluoride flows along the dental surfaces. Upon coming to contact with your saliva, the varnish starts to dry. So, there is no risk of saliva contact when the varnish is applied onto the surfaces of your teeth. Though, you should not eat or drink anything for half an hour. In addition, as the varnish has to stay on your teeth for 6-8 hours to act efficiently, you should not brush your teeth during this period.

Not to scare children away, companies have found a way to enhance the taste of varnishes with flavors.

FAQs ABOUT FLUORIDE VARNISHES

-What should I do after I get my teeth varnished?

You should refrain from eating and drinking anything for half an hour to let the varnish adhere to your teeth. Do not brush your teeth for 6-8 hours, either. In addition to the varnish, you may also use toothpastes that include fluoride when you are able to brush your teeth again.

-How frequently should I repeat the application?

If the varnish is applied following gum treatments, the varnish may not even be repeated as the problem is alleviated. Though, if the sensitivity is intense and there are no tooth decays, second and third applications may be done, one for each week.

As a preventive measure against decay in children, they are applied every six months. The frequency and amounts depend on the teeth to be treated, as well as decay incidence (probability of encountering decays)

-What if I swallow some varnish during the application?

The varnish used, by nature, dries quickly and adheres to your teeth right upon its application, so there is a little possibility of swallowing it. And as the amount that you swallow is quite minor, it shall not cause a problem.

-How does a fluoride varnish enhance my teeth?

Your tooth enamels have a crystal-like structure, called hydroxyapatite. This structure ingests the fluoride applied, turning it into fluorapatite. Fluorapatite is a stronger structure than hydroxyapatite and it is quite resistant to the microorganisms behind tooth decay. As an anti-sensitivity agent, fluoride subsides into the cracks that cause sensitivity and in a way, clogs them. Though, you should remember that fluoride varnishes need to be renewed periodically. 

Resources:

Clark DC, Hanley JA. Googhegan S. Vinet D. 1985 J. Periodontolog,

Ekstrand J Koch G. Lindgren LE , Petersen L.G , çocuklarda ve yetişkinlerde florür jelleri.