Programs delivering fluoride varnish in schools significantly reduce cavities in children. That is a key finding of our recently published study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Fluoride varnish is a safe, low-cost preventive treatment that takes less than two minutes to apply. It doesn’t require special equipment and can be done with minimal instruction.

We also found that school fluoride varnish programs reduced the progression of small cavities to more severe cavities by 10%. This positive impact held true among school children of various ages ...

Fluoride varnish remained effective when delivered by various providers, including dentists, hygienists or trained lay workers. Advertisement. Article continues below this ad.