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Fluoride Varnish can help prevent childhood caries
The Dental Program of the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District
Health Unit considers the use of Fluoride Varnish to be a safe and effective
part of a cavity prevention program. The goal of the program is to increase
knowledge and decrease incidence of Early Childhood Caries (ECC).
ECC can be a painful devastating disease and is a contributing factor for
children who demonstrate a failure to thrive. Dental decay rates in the Leeds,
Grenville and Lanark counties continue to cause concern with an average of 400
children per year, under the age of six, requiring dental treatment through the
Children in Need of Treatment Program (CINOT) and Ontario Works (OW) Dental
Benefits Program.
Fluoride varnish is simply brushed onto the teeth, allowing for easy application
on young children. The varnish sets on contact with saliva leaving a sticky
covering of varnish on the tooth surface for several hours, which provides
maximal absorption of fluoride into the tooth enamel and minimal risk of
fluoride consumption. Fluoride varnish is targeted for use on children 0 to 6
years of age. Not every child is eligible for this service so call your local
health unit for more information.
For more information about fluoride varnish or dental programs offered by the
Health Unit, visit
http://www.healthunit.org/dental
Robin Cleary, RDH, Registered Dental Hygienist |
Fluoride varnish is targeted for use on children 0 to 6 years
of age.
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Leeds,
Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit -
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