Fluoride Varnish
Fluoride varnish strengthens enamel and prevents cavities through a fast, painless treatment for all ages worldwide.
Using Fluoride to Protect Your Teeth
Good oral hygiene goes beyond brushing and flossing. Fluoride—a natural mineral—plays a critical role in protecting teeth against cavities and tooth decay. When used regularly and correctly, fluoride helps keep teeth strong, healthy, and resistant to damage.
How Fluoride Protects Teeth
At Greenbrook Pillars Foundation, fluoride varnish is an important part of our preventive oral health programs, supporting long-term dental health for children and adults.
Fluoride works by strengthening tooth enamel and preventing plaque from building up and hardening on the tooth surface. This added protection helps reduce the risk of cavities and slows the early stages of tooth decay.
Fluoride is especially effective when combined with daily oral hygiene and routine dental care.
Types of Fluoride
Systemic Fluoride
Systemic fluoride is ingested, commonly through public water supplies. As teeth develop beneath the gums, fluoride strengthens the enamel, making it more resistant to cavities later in life.
Topical Fluoride
Topical fluoride is applied directly to the teeth to prevent cavities. It is commonly found in toothpaste, mouthwash, and professional fluoride treatments such as fluoride varnish.
Professional Fluoride Varnish Treatment
Fluoride varnish is a quick and painless treatment applied by a dental professional. The procedure takes only a few minutes and provides concentrated protection against tooth decay.
After treatment, patients are usually advised not to eat, drink, or rinse for at least 30 minutes to allow the teeth to fully absorb the fluoride.
Depending on individual oral health needs, fluoride treatments may be recommended every three, six, or twelve months.
At-Home Fluoride Care
In some cases, a dental professional may recommend additional at-home fluoride products such as mouthwash, gel, or antibacterial rinse to support ongoing protection between visits.
When choosing fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash, look for products approved by recognized dental authorities to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Supporting Lifelong Oral Health
Fluoride varnish is a simple yet powerful tool in preventing cavities and maintaining strong teeth. Combined with regular dental visits, proper brushing, and flossing, fluoride helps protect smiles at every stage of life.
Learn more about our fluoride varnish program and how it supports preventive oral health in our communities.