Fluoride Varnish Program

Dental cavities are one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in people, affecting 57% of Canadian children. Apart from weakening the tooth, cavities can also lead to infection, pain, abscesses, difficulty with chewing and/or sleeping, poor nutrition and tooth loss.

Innovation in Prevention

The Middlesex-London Health Unit’s Fluoride Varnish Program is helping children mount a defense against tooth decay and other chronic diseases.

Through a unique collaboration with community partners, and by drawing on evidence showing that fluoride varnish programs prevent cavities in pre-school children under the age of four, the Oral Health Team has taken an original approach to providing prevention services to families in need.

Partnering with key schools and childcare centres, the MLHU is able to provide fluoride varnish free of charge to promote dental health for children, in community settings.

What is fluoride varnish?

Fluoride varnish is a protective coating that makes teeth stronger, and helps prevent and fix small cavities. It is a liquid that is painted onto a child’s teeth with a small brush. It only takes minutes to apply and dries quickly.

Be a Fluoride Varnish Superhero!

Is it safe?

Yes. Fluoride varnish is safe and causes no harm. There is no bad taste and no pain or discomfort with the application. There may be a slight off-white colour to the teeth after the fluoride varnish is applied, but it will be removed by brushing or flossing, which can be done the morning after the application.

How can I get involved?

If you have questions, require additional information, or would like to find out if the Fluoride Varnish Program is right for you, please contact the Oral Health Team at 519-663-5317 (ask to speak with Oral Health).

Date of creation: July 10, 2017
Last modified on: May 18, 2021