Fluoride Application in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is fluoride application?
Fluoride application is the painting of a thin layer of fluoride varnish onto the surfaces of the teeth by a dentist. The varnish holds a far higher concentration of fluoride than toothpaste, and it sticks to the enamel so the fluoride stays in contact with the teeth for hours after you leave the clinic.
Fluoride works in two ways. It helps enamel take back minerals lost to the acid attacks that follow sugary food and drink, and it makes the surface of the enamel harder for acid to dissolve. A detail many people find surprising: the earliest stage of decay, a chalky white spot on the enamel, can often harden again with fluoride and good care, before it ever becomes a hole that needs a filling.
At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, fluoride varnish is applied by the dental team as part of routine preventive care, for children and for adults.
Who needs it
Fluoride varnish benefits anyone whose teeth are at higher risk of decay. The dentist assesses that risk at a check-up, and it is higher for:
- children, whose new teeth have softer enamel; varnish is part of routine care in pediatric dentistry;
- people with braces or aligners, where plaque collects around brackets and attachments;
- adults with a dry mouth, which is common with some medicines for blood pressure, allergies, anxiety and depression, and after radiotherapy to the head and neck;
- people with gum recession, where exposed roots are softer than enamel and decay more easily;
- anyone with several new cavities in recent years, early white spots, or frequent sugary snacks and drinks;
- older adults, and people who find brushing difficult because of arthritis or other conditions.
How often varnish is applied depends on that risk. Many children and higher-risk adults have it a few times a year, usually timed with their check-ups, and the dentist sets the interval that suits your teeth.
What happens
Fluoride application is quick and painless, and it needs no injection or drilling.
- Check. The dentist examines the teeth and assesses decay risk, often as part of a dental check-up and cleaning.
- Drying. The teeth are cleaned of loose food and dried with cotton rolls or a gentle stream of air.
- Painting. The dentist paints the varnish onto the teeth with a small brush, concentrating on the areas most at risk. Young children can have this done sitting on a parent's lap.
- Setting. The varnish sets on contact with saliva. It may feel slightly sticky or waxy, and it can give the teeth a faint yellowish tint for the rest of the day.
Preparing for it
Little preparation is needed. Eat and drink beforehand as normal, and brush as usual. Bring a list of any medicines, especially if you have a dry mouth, and tell the dentist about any allergies, including to sticking plasters or pine resin, since some varnishes contain resin.
For children, tell the dentist which toothpaste the child uses and whether they take fluoride drops or tablets, so the total fluoride a child receives can be kept at the right level. Mention whether your home water is from bottles or filtered, because this affects how much fluoride a child takes in.
Afterwards
Keep to soft foods and cool or lukewarm drinks for the next few hours, and leave brushing until the evening or the next morning, as the dentist advises. This gives the varnish the longest possible contact with the teeth. The waxy feel and any yellowish tint brush away the next time you clean your teeth.
At home, brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, spit rather than rinse after brushing, and keep sugary food and drinks to mealtimes. These habits work together with the professional varnish between visits.
Contact the dentist if a child swallows a large amount of varnish and feels sick, or if you notice swelling of the lips or mouth after the application; call for emergency help if there is any difficulty breathing.
Cost and insurance
Fluoride application is preventive care, and many UAE dental plans cover it, particularly for children, often as part of a check-up. Some plans set an age limit or a number of applications per year. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can check your cover on 06 599 7777.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the risks of fluoride varnish?
Fluoride varnish is a low-risk treatment. Occasional side effects include mild nausea if a child swallows varnish, temporary yellowish staining of the teeth, and, rarely, an allergic reaction to an ingredient such as resin. The dentist asks about allergies and applies only the amount the teeth need.
Is fluoride varnish safe for children?
Fluoride varnish is widely used for children, and only a small amount is painted on, which sets quickly and is barely swallowed. The dentist takes account of the fluoride in the child's toothpaste and drinking water. Tell the dentist about any fluoride drops or tablets the child takes.
How often should fluoride varnish be applied?
Fluoride varnish is usually applied at an interval set by the dentist according to decay risk, often a few times a year for children and higher-risk adults. Lower-risk adults may have it less often or only when a need appears. The dentist reviews the interval at each check-up.
Do adults need fluoride treatment?
Adults benefit from fluoride varnish when their risk of decay is raised, for example with a dry mouth, exposed roots, braces or several recent fillings. Adults at low risk are often well protected by fluoride toothpaste alone. The dentist assesses your risk at a check-up.
Can fluoride reverse early tooth decay?
Fluoride can help the earliest stage of decay, a white chalky spot on the enamel, to harden again before a cavity forms. Once decay has made a hole in the tooth, a filling is needed. The dentist checks each spot and advises whether varnish, a filling or monitoring is the right step.
Can I eat after fluoride varnish?
You can eat after fluoride varnish, keeping to soft foods and cool or lukewarm drinks for the next few hours. Hard, crunchy or very hot food and drink can lift the varnish early. Brush your teeth later that evening or the next morning, as the dentist advises.
Does insurance cover fluoride treatment in the UAE?
Many UAE dental plans cover fluoride varnish as preventive care, especially for children, and some set limits by age or frequency. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can check your policy on 06 599 7777.
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