DENTAL HEALTH

Fluoride And Fluoride Varnish

Fluoride supplements can be dispensed by gels, varnish, mouth rinses, or toothpaste.

Fluoride Varnish is a flavored sodium fluoride in a resin carrier delivered onto the teeth for tooth hypersensitivity and caries control. Patients who have sensitivity due to recession areas can benefit from the fluoride varnish, as it helps to seal the root surfaces. Fluoride Varnish takes less time, creates less patient discomfort, and achieves greater patient acceptance than the fluoride gel.

Fluoride gels can be used for adult patients who are at high risk for caries, orthodontic patients, patients undergoing head and neck radiation, and patients who have decreased saliva flow due to medication or other health reasons. The gel or foam is applied through the use of a mouth tray. The tray is held in place by biting for four minutes and patients do not rinse, drink, or eat for 30 minutes after application.

A fluoride mouth rinse can be given to the patient to use daily at home. It is very effective in caries control.