Tooth decay is one of the most common preventable diseases seen in children. Children as young as 12-18 months can get cavities. Cavities in baby teeth can cause pain and even prevent children from being able to eat, speak, sleep and learn properly. Children do not lose all their baby teeth until they are about 12 to 13 years old. 

Indications 

Infants and children with a moderate or high risk of developing cavities. A child is considered at risk if he/she:

· Has had cavities in the past or has white spot lesions and stained fissures

 · Continues to use the bottle past 1 year of age or sleeps with a bottle containing liquids other than water

 · Breastfeeds on demand at night

 · Has a developmental disability

 · Chronically uses high sugar oral medications

 · Has family members with a history of caries

 · Engages in prolonged or ad lib use throughout the day of a bottle or sippy cup containing liquids other than water

Children with a low risk of cavity formation who consume optimally fluoridated water or children who receive routine fluoride treatments through a dental office.

Fluoride varnish is a protective coating that is painted on teeth to help prevent new cavities and to help stop cavities that have already started

The purpose of applying fluoride varnish is to retard, arrest, and reverse the process of cavity formation.

Yes, fluoride varnish can be used on babies from the time they have their first teeth. Only a very small amount of fluoride varnish is used. This method of providing fluoride to teeth has been used in Europe for more than 30 years.

Fluoride varnish is approved by the FDA and is endorsed by the American Dental Association.

The varnish is painted on the teeth. It is quick and easy to apply and does not have a bad taste. There is no pain, but your child may cry just because babies and children don’t like having things put in their mouths especially by people they don’t know! Your child’s teeth may be yellow after the fluoride varnish is painted on, but the yellow color will come off when you brush your child’s teeth tomorrow.

The fluoride coating will work best if it is painted on the teeth 3-4 times a year.