Fluoride varnish
Fluoride varnish application technique
Fluoride varnishes contain high concentrations of fluoride and therefore it is important not to exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations. For Duraphat® varnish which contains 22,600 ppm fluoride, 0.25 ml is used for children in nursery and Primary 1 (approximate age 2-5 years) and 0.4 ml for children in Primary 2 (approximate age 5-7 years) and above.74
Image showing the size of 0.4 ml and 0.25 ml of fluoride varnish.
As proximal surfaces of primary teeth are particularly prone to caries, it is particularly important to include these areas when applying varnish to tooth surfaces.
Isolate and thoroughly dry the teeth a quadrant at a time to optimise adhesion of the varnish to the tooth.
Apply a small amount of fluoride varnish using a small brush.
Advise that soft foods and liquids may be consumed from 30 minutes after fluoride varnish application and that the child should wait at least four hours before brushing their teeth or chewing hard food.
Images showing tooth drying (left) and fluoride varnish application (right). Interproximal application prior to occlusal application is shown.