Fluorides: systemic, topical, fluoride varnish, fluorosis
Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry · Dental (BDS)
Study notes
A high-caries 4-year-old gets fluoride varnish. Why varnish over gel? Varnish (5% NaF) adheres to teeth, delivering prolonged fluoride with minimal swallowing - safer and more practical for small children than trays of gel. Students learn the risk-based choice: caries risk decides fluoride intensity (varnish frequency, toothpaste concentration), and dose is always age-weighed - because fluoride's benefit and fluorosis share the same dose curve.
Related topics
- Growth and development: dental age, chronology of dentitions
- Child psychology and behavior management techniques
- Preventive dentistry: diet counseling, oral hygiene instruction
- Pit and fissure sealants, preventive resin restorations
- Dental caries in children: ECC, rampant caries management
- Pulp therapy in primary teeth: pulpotomy, pulpectomy