Fluride Varnish and how often general and pediatric dentist use them Essay

Fluride Varnish and how often general and pediatric dentist use them and how they feel about pediatricians applying them - Essay Example Health professionals, nevertheless, endorse prevention of oral diseases first to parents through proper oral hygiene for preventive purposes (Nowak, 2006). It has been noted among experts about the lack of information on what is the extent of damage on fluoride use to children (Moss, 2005). In fact, use of fluoride toothpaste is actually recommended during infanthood as soon as a substantial quantity of baby teeth have grown as part of the proper care for children's teeth, although it is also highly recommended that a pediatric dentist be sought for any necessary treatments such as the use of fluoride varnish (Jacobs, 2005). Starting in 1977 until 2003, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry or AAPD advocated the use of fluoride as "a safe and effective adjunct in reducing the risk of caries and reversing enamel demineralization," to the extent that AAPD encouraged public health officials, health care providers, parents and caregivers to "optimize fluoride exposure," (AAPD, 2003). Nevertheless, the "Policy on Use (cannot delete "Use" because it is the title of a policy!) of Fluoride" cautioned the use of topical fluoride-containing products to young children to prevent ingestion of excessive amounts of fluoride (Warren & Levy, 1999). Fluoride varnish is considered as one of the breakthrough innovations in dentistry. The simple coating of fluoride treatment can provide long-term dental relief. Accordingly, fluoride varnish has higher concentration of fluoride compared with other forms of dental enhancements. Fluoride varnish is less toxic and provides no harm to children. According to Autio (2000), fluoride varnish quickly adheres to teeth and it takes less time than other topical treatment to be released to the tooth surface nurturing the minerals in the teeth. Toxicity has been a major concern with fluoride treatment especially among children ages 6 and below. In previous studies, it has been proven that fluoride varnish has the lowest rate of fluoride in the blood plasma compared with other topical treatments making it a safer choice for children (Moss, 2005). The use of fluoride varnish has been commonly seen in Europe. Also, the commercialization of fluoride varnish has become a crucial component of its introduction to other locations such as the United States, and some parts of Asia. Most important, the efficacy of fluoride varnish has been widely recognized (Moss, 2005). Fluoride varnish is a liquid coating that is applied to the teeth using a brush. The liquid dries quickly minutes after the application. Fluoride varnish provides a protective coating of fluoride on teeth. According to studies (Moss 2005 and Autio, 2000). The fluoride is released over a period of months that strengthens teeth and prevents tooth decay. The fluoride varnish needs to be reapplied every 3-4 months to maintain its effectiveness. This tasteless liquid has been used in several dental clinics. It has also been proven to be effective in preventing tooth decay and other related dental problems (Autio, 2000 and Moss, 2005). Fluoride varnish is safe as approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). After the fluoride varnish is