Oral Health (Fluoride Varnish)
Keeping the Magic in Children's Smiles!
- Start early keeping gums and teeth clean. Wipe infants' gums daily with a damp, soft washcloth; as teeth erupt, adult supervision of brushing is needed up to age 7 - brush with a small, soft toothbrush.
- Avoid baby bottle tooth decay. Offer only formula, milk or water in bottle; avoid putting baby down with a bottle; wean from bottle to cup by 1 year of age.
- Start fluoride use early. Check with your dentist or doctor to make sure child is getting adequate fluoride. Fluoride in various forms (drop, tablet, rinse, paste) help protect teeth from decay.
- Make regular dental visits a habit. Start early - as soon as first teeth erupt! These early visits allow the dentist to follow tooth eruption patterns and catch potential problems early.
- Offer nutritious, age-appropriate snacks. Children love snacks and they are important to total nutrition each day; make sure snacks are low in sugar and do not pose a choking hazard.
- Seal out tooth decay. Sealants placed on chewing surfaces of permanent teeth after eruption offer great protection against decay; remember, generally the first permanent teeth erupt behind the primary molars (approximately age 6)
By following these simple steps, you can help keep the magic in your child's smile.
Plaque: What it is and how to get rid of it
Fluoride Varnish: An Alternative to Traditional Topical Fluoride Therapy
Programs Available
- School based fluoride mouth rinse programs: Program is available to every school district in Southeast Idaho for no charge.
- School dental health education: Programs available to all grades in school districts that contract for services with the health department. Programs are tailored to grade level and ability.
- Community dental health education: Dental health education presented to church, professional, and civic groups; school and community health fairs
Fluoride Supplements
Recommended Fluoride Dosage (mg/day) |
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Fluoride content of drinking water (well or public supply) in parts per millions (ppm) |
DAILY DOSAGE 6 months - 3 yrs |
DAILY DOSAGE Age 3 - 6 years |
DAILY DOSAGE Age 6 - 16 years |
Less than 0.3 ppm |
0.25 mg |
0.50 mg |
1.00 mg |
0.3 to 0.6 ppm |
0 |
0.25 mg |
0.50 mg |
Over 0.6 ppm |
No Dietary Fluoride Supplement Needed |
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The optimum dietary fluoride level is 1 mg per day. Fluoride consumption greater than 2 mg per day by children during their tooth development years can cause dental fluorosis, resulting in mottled, discolored or pitted permanent teeth. The period from birth to five years is the time when developing teeth are most susceptible to developing fluorosis.
In the past, fluoride supplements were thought to exert their main anti-cavity effect through incorporation into developing tooth structure before eruption. However, compelling evidence exists that fluoride supplements have a great anti-cavity effect on the teeth after they erupt. This results from the topical benefits of the fluoride when it is initially consumed and subsequently from its presence in the saliva and gingival fluids that continually bathe the teeth.
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Oral Health Resources
- American Dental Hygienists' Association
- American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association and Cleft Palate Foundation
- Calgary Health Region
(This web site contains good information on oral health prevention and educational topics)
