Fluoride Varnish Program

Price County Public Health is pleased to offer the Early Childhood Cavity Prevention Program!

Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a severe form of tooth decay found in infants, toddlers and young children. ECC begins when cavity-causing bacteria is passed from parent or caregiver to baby. The bacteria combines with sugar found in formula, milk, juice, or sweetened drinks forming cavity-causing acid. This action causes loss of tooth enamel (demineralization) leading to tooth decay. The condition can affect  children’s health by limiting their ability to obtain nutrition, affecting their energy level and their ability to concentrate in school. ECC is easier and cheaper to prevent than to treat.  Untreated cavities in baby teeth can be associated with growth, learning and speech problems.  Primary (baby) teeth set the stage for healthy permanent teeth.

Fluoride can help reduce the risk of ECC!

WHO: Children in Head Start, 4K, and 5K in Price County public schools.

HOW: Complete an online form here or download and print a form here. 

WHAT: Free dental screening, charting, education, and fluoride varnish application.  Children will receive a toothbrush at first visit and a sticker for the second and third visits. 

WHERE: At the school your child attends.

WHEN: Three times throughout the school year.

WHY: Education helps children to understand the importance of oral hygiene and fluoride varnish helps to strengthen teeth. 

Is Fluoride Varnish Safe?

Yes, fluoride varnish can be used on babies from the time they have their first teeth. Only a very small amount of fluoride varnish is used. 

Because clinical evidence of effectiveness and safety is so convincing, the off label use of these varnishes as a cavity prevention agent does not involve risk of liability.

Fluoride Varnish Placement 

Fluoride Varnish is a protective coating that is painted on teeth to help prevent new cavities and to help stop   cavities that have already started from getting bigger.

The fluoride coating will work best if it is painted on the teeth 3-4 times per year.

The taste is tolerated very well by young children and the procedure is painless and simple.

Minimal ingestion of fluoride takes place because the fluoride “sets” on contact with teeth and saliva.

The teeth have a dull color the first day (no brushing the day fluoride varnish is placed). After brushing the next morning the teeth are white and shiny again.

The service includes oral screening, risk assessment, education and fluoride varnish placement.