What is tooth varnish and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

• Publication date: 23/06/1404
• Editing date: 28/06/1404
• 0 views
• Study time: 8 minutes
• Confirmed by: Dr. Nazi Banianian

What is dental varnish? ← Tooth varnish is a thin fluoride coating that is applied to the surface of the teeth to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay.

Benefits of tooth varnish

• Prevention of decay
• Strengthening of tooth enamel
• Gradual release of fluoride
• Suitable for children and adults
• Painless and fast It can reduce the need for complex dental treatments Table of contents

  Approved by Dr. Benianian dental specialists

  The content of this article is only to increase your awareness. Before taking any action, seek advice from dentistry Dr. Benyanian for treatment.

  Global statistics show that more than 60% of children experience tooth decay before the age of 12. This issue is not only an individual problem, but also a serious challenge in the field of public health. For this reason, preventive methods in dentistry became more important than ever.

  One of the most successful and scientific methods is tooth varnish. A method that has found a special place in therapeutic and preventive protocols as a powerful line of defense against caries.

  In the rest of this article from Dr. Benianian's dental website, we will introduce you to tooth varnish and the benefits of this method to prevent tooth decay. So, to get more information, stay with us until the end of this article.

  What is dental varnish?

  Dental varnish is a special liquid or gel that the dentist applies to the surface of the teeth. This material hardens very quickly and is placed on the teeth like a thin protective coating.

  Actually, the task of tooth varnish is to protect the teeth from decay and make them stronger. So this dental process works like a protective suit for the teeth so that the tooth enamel is less damaged.

  Get to know the tooth varnish more specifically

  The tooth varnish is actually a thick fluoride coating (containing 5% sodium fluoride equivalent to 22,600 ppm) that is applied directly to the tooth surfaces. This material hardens quickly in the presence of saliva and sticks to the surface of enamel and dentin. The gradual release of fluoride ions from the varnish leads to:

  • increasing the mineralization of enamel and the formation of fluorapatite crystals (which are more resistant to acid).

  According to clinical studies, regular use of varnish can reduce the incidence of caries in children and teenagers by 40-43%. For this reason, the American Dental Association (ADA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend varnish as a standard preventive method.

  Main compositions of dental varnish

  Dental varnish contains the following ingredients:

  • Sodium Fluoride: The main ingredient to strengthen tooth enamel.
  • Natural or synthetic resin: As a base ingredient for adhesion. better for the surface of the tooth.
  • Special solvents: to soften the composition and spread evenly on the tooth.
  • Flavor: to create a pleasant taste for children (such as strawberry or vanilla).

  

  Differences of dental varnish What is fluoride therapy?

  Both methods of varnish and fluoride therapy are performed with the aim of strengthening tooth enamel and preventing decay, but the main difference is in how they are used and how long they last.

  In normal fluoride therapy, fluoride gel or foam is used in special trays, which is placed on the tooth for a few minutes, while tooth varnish is applied as a thin layer on the tooth and quickly hardens in contact with saliva. and releases fluoride gradually for several hours.

  This feature makes varnish more effective in preventing caries, especially in children.

  Features of fluoride therapy dental varnish (gel/foam). Minutes) Persistence on the teeth from a few hours to a few days only during contact (a few minutes) Gradual and long release of fluoride, fast and short-term, suitable for children, very suitable for difficult times due to the possibility of swallowing the gel, more effective in preventing caries (up to 43% reduction in caries) less than varnish

  

  

  Cleaning the surface of the tooth with a toothbrush or sterile gauze

  The first step to perform varnish therapy is to clean the teeth from food residue and microbial plaque. is This is usually done with a soft toothbrush or sterile gauze. The cleaner the surface of the tooth, the better the varnish will stick to it and the more effective it will be.

  Drying the teeth with gentle air or sterile gas

  After cleaning, the dentist will dry the surface of the teeth using gentle air flow or sterile gas. This allows the varnish to be placed on a moisture-free surface and stick well. The dryness of the teeth is one of the key factors in the success of the treatment.

  Using varnish with the help of a brush or a special applicator

  At this stage, the dentist applies an appropriate amount of varnish on the surface of the teeth with a small brush or applicator. This is done very quickly, painlessly and without the need for anesthesia. The varnish is spread like a thin and uniform layer on the teeth.

  The hardening of the varnish due to contact with saliva within a few minutes

  After the varnish is placed on the teeth, the saliva of the mouth makes this material hard and stable within a few minutes. For this reason, the patient can immediately close his mouth and continue with normal activities. This feature is one of the main advantages of varnish compared to other methods of fluoride therapy.

  After these steps, the patient can immediately close his mouth and have normal activities.

  Advantages of dental varnish

  Fluoride varnish has many advantages that have made it one of the most widely used methods of preventing caries. Benefits including:

  • Increasing the resistance of tooth enamel against caries
  • Gradual release of fluoride for a long time
  • Quick and painless operation
  • Suitable for children and adults
  • Reduced possibility of needing fillings or complex treatments
  • Safe and approved Accredited oral health organizations

  Who needs tooth varnish?

  Fluoride varnish is recommended for different people, but some groups need this treatment more than others:

  Children 3 to 12 years old

  Children (especially at school age) are at the highest risk of tooth decay, because they still do not have enough brushing skills and are more interested in sweet foods.

  So the use of tooth varnish in this age group can significantly reduce the possibility of caries and ensure the health of the milk and permanent teeth of these children.

  

  

  People at high risk of caries

  People who regularly and continuously consume sweets, carbonated drinks or acidic foods are more prone to caries.

  One of the common questions is: How long does it take for tooth decay to reach the nerve The answer to this question depends on the intensity of sugary and acidic foods and oral hygiene. But in any case, tooth varnish acts like a protective barrier for these people and makes the surface of the teeth more resistant to acid attacks.

  People with weak enamel or tooth sensitivity

  The tooth enamel in some people is weaker due to genetic or nutritional reasons. Also, tooth sensitivity can be a sign of weak enamel. By gradually releasing fluoride, tooth varnish strengthens tooth enamel and reduces sensitivity.

  Adults undergoing orthodontic treatment

  Brackets and orthodontic wires make teeth cleaning more difficult. And the possibility of plaque accumulation and decay will increase. The use of dental varnish during orthodontic treatment can significantly prevent damage to the teeth.

  People with dry mouth (due to medication or disease)

  Dry mouth (xerostomia) is one of the main factors in increasing caries, because saliva plays an important role in washing the mouth and neutralizing acids.

  People who have dry mouth due to medication, radiation therapy or certain diseases, more than others. They need tooth varnish to prevent decay.

  Comparison of tooth varnish with other methods of fluoride therapy

  Features, tooth varnish, fluoride gel, mouthwash, fluoride toothpaste, fluoride level, high, medium, low, staying on the teeth, long (up to a few months), short (a few hours), short (a few minutes), the moment you need a dentist's expertise, yes, yes, no, suitable for Children yes yes no (risk of swallowing) yes prevention effectiveness very high high medium medium According to Fluoride Varnish for Preventing Dental Caries in Children and Adolescents from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP):

  "Use of fluoride varnish in children and It is recommended for teenagers as a standard and safe method to reduce tooth decay. This method can reduce the incidence of decay by 43% on average."

  This procedure is painless and does not require anesthesia, and only a thin layer of fluoride is placed on the surface of the teeth to strengthen the tooth enamel.

  Given that the varnish contains a controlled amount of fluoride and its ingestion is minimized, the risk to It does not cause children and is considered one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay in childhood.

  Read more: repairing a decayed tooth at home

  

  Tooth varnish in Dr. Bonyanian's dentistry

  Choosing a reputable center to perform dental varnish is as important as the procedure itself. Because the quality of the consumables, the experience of the dentist and the observance of scientific principles all play a direct role in the outcome of the treatment.

  At Dr. Benyanian's dental clinic, tooth varnish services are provided using the best fluoride brands and in accordance with international standards so that young and old patients can protect their teeth from decay with ease. Varnish

• expert and experienced team
• suitable environment for children
• strict adherence to health and safety principles
• affordable cost

Don't forget that dental varnish is not just a simple treatment. Rather, it is considered an investment in the future health of the mouth and teeth. Dr. Benianian's dental clinic has provided the opportunity for patients to enjoy the best quality treatment by using first-class materials, a professional team, and a scientific approach. Possible side effects of tooth varnish. For example:

• Temporary change of teeth color (yellow or light brown).
• Short-term unpleasant taste.
• Rare allergic reaction (in people sensitive to resin). teeth, it is recommended not to eat anything for a few hours so that the substance is well fixed on the surface of the teeth. Usually, dentists recommend that you avoid eating and drinking for at least four hours so that the varnish has a full effect.

  During the same day, it is better to avoid eating hard foods such as nuts or sticky foods such as gum and candy, because these foods can cause peeling or reduce the effectiveness of the varnish layer. It is also not recommended to eat hot drinks, because the heat may destroy the protective layer sooner.

  Another important point is not to brush your teeth until the next day. Varnish needs time to release fluoride and brushing can disrupt this process. So, it is better to wait overnight and the day after the treatment, use the toothbrush and floss as usual.

  Finally, for the varnish to be more effective, it is very important to reduce the consumption of sugar and acidic drinks. Although varnish is a strong protective layer for teeth, oral hygiene and healthy eating still play the main role in preventing decay. Varnish therapy for children

  • Before going to the dentist, the child should brush and floss so that the surface of the teeth is clean.
  • Give the child water before the varnish and refrain from eating and drinking for one hour after the treatment.
  • For 24 hours after the varnish, do not use a toothbrush, dental floss, mouthwash and fluoride-containing substances. It should be avoided.
  • The consumption of colored drinks and foods such as juice, tea, cocoa milk, lip balm and candy is prohibited for 24 hours. But in general, varnish is one of the most affordable methods of preventing decay. Because it is much cheaper compared to cost of tooth extraction or cost of tooth filling.

    Summary of tooth varnish

    Tooth varnish is one of the most effective methods of preventing Caries, especially in children. This simple, quick and safe treatment can guarantee healthy teeth for years. Based on scientific references and successful experience around the world, doing varnish therapy is a smart choice to maintain oral health.

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    What are the frequently asked questions about tooth varnish and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

    Yes.

    Does tooth varnish hurt?

    No. This treatment is completely painless and injection-free.

    Is varnish a substitute for brushing and flossing?

    No. Varnish is only a complementary method and oral hygiene is still necessary.

    Is dental varnish useful for adults?

    Yes, especially in people with weak enamel or those with orthodontics.

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