Ask Your Child’s Doctor About Fluoride Varnish!
What is Fluoride Varnish?
Fluoride varnish is a protective coating a doctor puts on your child’s teeth. It takes less than two minutes to apply and dries almost instantly. The coating helps make the outer layer of their tooth enamel harder and stronger. As a result, your child is less likely to get cavities or experience tooth decay.
Call your child’s doctor today to schedule their appointment!
Don’t have a doctor? Find one using our Find a Provider Tool. Need help? Call Member Services at 1-866-595-8133 (TTY: 711) Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for help finding a doctor or scheduling your child’s next fluoride varnish appointment.
Important: Fluoride varnish should not and does not replace brushing your child’s teeth twice a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fluoride varnish is safe and can even be used on babies after their first tooth comes in. Since doctors apply a very small amount and it is made to stick to teeth, there’s a very low chance of it being swallowed. The process is quick and painless.
Children of all ages, even infants, can have fluoride varnish applied. Talk with your doctor about what is best for your child’s dental health.
Fluoride varnish provides protection for several months after application. It is recommended for children to get it at least twice a year.
There are a few things you will want to do so your child gets the most out of their treatment. Here are the most import ones:
- Wait until the next day to brush your child’s teeth
- Avoid hard or chewy foods for the rest of the day
- Only give your child soft foods and cold foods or liquids
- Avoid hot foods
If you are a Louisiana Healthcare Connection’s member, this service is covered and comes at no cost to you.
Sparkles promoting the importance of fluoride varnish and good oral health at our community health events.
Additional Resources
Part of being healthy is having the resources you need when you need them. Below are links to resources you may find helpful.
- Fluoride Varnish Educational Flyer (PDF)
- Keep Your Child's Smile Healthy with Fluoride Varnish
- Is Fluoride Varnish Safe?
- Prevention Guidelines, Birth to Age 2
- Prevention Guidelines, Ages 2 to 18
We know questions can slip your mind when you’re at the doctor’s office, using our Krames Online member health resource site you can now search for information any time you want.