Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease–five times more common than asthma. Tooth decay can hurt and may affect a child’s ability to eat, sleep, talk, learn, play, grow, and hit important developmental milestones. There is a safe and easy way to protect little teeth: fluoride varnish. Best of all, it can be done quickly and easily in the medical provider’s office during a well-child visit. In February, show little teeth some love–ask your pediatrician about fluoride varnish for your little one’s teeth.
Tooth Talk is also showing some love for Dr. Gary Rozier, DDS, MPH, educator, researcher, mentor, and former Professor of Health Policy and Management at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, who recently passed away. A pioneer in dental public health, Dr. Rozier was an integral part of the State of North Carolina’s Into the Mouths of Babes Fluoride Varnish Program since the 1990s. North Carolina is a national leader in protecting children’s teeth, and its IMB program, which is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary this year, is a highly-respected model. Gary was also a member of the Tooth Talk team since its inception–a creative, brilliant, generous, and inspiring partner dedicated to safeguarding children’s oral health, and so, overall health. This article honors him and his impressive accomplishments in dental public health through decades of compassionate and innovative service to North Carolina and the nation.
Curious about fluoride varnish? Here’s everything parents need to know about how it protects children’s teeth.
Why Fluoride Varnish?
- Is an evidence-based, safe way to prevent cavities in young children’s teeth.
- Is quick and simple–as little as a few seconds to as long as a minute, depending on the child’s age.
- Happens in a doctor’s office during a well-child visit, so it’s convenient for busy parents.
How the Process Works
- Dry the teeth.
- Paint a very small amount of safe and healthy fluoride varnish on each little tooth. That’s it!
What Parents Can Expect
- The varnish may dry yellow, which is completely normal.
- It’s OK for the child to eat soft foods and drink right after the process.
- Parents should not brush children’s teeth till the next day. Don’t worry, the yellow will brush right off, leaving the safe fluoride varnish to shield against tooth decay.
- Covered by Medicaid, from tooth eruption to age three-and-a-half, safe and healthy fluoride varnish is recommended every three to six months.
