Introduction
Fluoride varnish refers to the act of coating teeth with Fluoride as a strategy of preventing teeth decay which in most cases results in cavities. During this process, fluoride is delivered systematically on the surface of teeth using either toothbrushes or mouth rinses. Fluoride therapy, being the name given to the act of covering teeth with fluoride is widely accepted by dentists across the world following its effectiveness in preventing cavities. The effectiveness of fluoride therapy has made it a common practice across the world (Jamison and Measham 55).
It is worth noting that there are several ways of administering fluoride therapy. Among these methods includes the use of fluoridated water. In this method of administering fluoride therapy, fluoride is mixed with drinking water. In the process of drinking this fluoridated water, fluoride covers the outer surface of the teeth. Water fluoridation and the use of fluoridated toothpaste are the most common at-home methods of administering fluoride therapy. Other forms of administering fluoride therapy include ingestion of salts and professional application of fluoride directly to the teeth by the use of gels, varnished or foams (Breman, Measham and Alleyne 267).
Advantages of using fluoride varnish
Fluoride varnish is the most common professional method of administering fluoride therapy. This is because it is more effective as compared to fluoride foams and gels. For example, when using fluoride varnish, the dentist ends up using less fluoride as compared to when administering fluoride therapy using either foams or gels. In addition, fluoride varnish ensures that the person receiving it does not experience bad tastes. Using fluoride varnish ensures that the enamel is protected from fluorosis because the varnish is applied directly to the teeth, giving it an opportunity to set as quickly as possible. Another additional advantage of fluoride varnish over the use of gels or forms is that fluoride varnish can be administered to all patients (Breman, Measham, and Alleyne 147)
Disadvantages of using fluoride varnish
Unlike fluoride varnish, gels and forms as a method of administering fluoride therapy are only applicable to patients at a high risk of developing cavities. Dental experts and professionals also suggest and recommend the use of gels/ forms to patients whose saliva is characterized as being sticky, hence, having low salivary flow rates. Further, they include weaned and generally young children, together with neck and/or head patients undergoing diagnostic processes using radiation methods. During the administration of fluoride therapy using gels and forms, the fluoride is delivered to the teeth by the use of mouth trash. The patient bites the trash for a period of time ranging from four to seven minutes. The patient is advised not to eat, drink or rinse their mouth for the next thirty minutes after the fluoride therapy. This is meant to allow the fluoride to set on the surface of the patient’s teeth. It is also worth noting that the concentration of fluoride in gels and forms is less compared to fluoride varnish. This puts the administration of fluoride therapy using gels and forms at a disadvantage when compared to the application of fluoride using fluoride varnish (National Caries Program 1).
Conclusion
In conclusion, fluoride therapy is the covering of the outer surface of teeth to prevent cavities. It is administered through several methods, including the use of form and gels. However, fluoride varnish as a method of administering fluoride therapy is the most effective method compared to the use of gels and forms. This is because it is faster to apply and the fluoride takes a short time to set. This method is also applicable to patients of all categories and uses less fluoride as compared to gels and forms.
References
Breman, Joel, Anthony Measham and George Alleyne. Disease control priorities in developing countries. World Bank Publications, 2006. Web.
Jamison, Dean and Anthony Measham. Priorities in Health: Disease Control Priorities Companion Volume. World Bank Publications, 2006. Web.
National Caries Program (U.S). Preventing tooth decay: a guide for implementing self-applied fluoride in schools. University of Michigan, 2007. Web.