NHS can save millions by coating children’s teeth with fluoride varnish
A new study was published recently in the Journal of Dental Research in order to prove that applying fluoride varnish to children’s teeth works much more effectively than using fissure sealants.
The survey, which studied children in the six-seven age group, aimed to reduce child tooth decay by using more effective procedures. It compared the results of a fluoride varnish application as opposed to the applying of fissure sealants.
The survey concluded that in applying varnish to children’s teeth, the NHS could potentially save more than £68 per patient.
‘Our research has shown that the fluoride varnish does prevent tooth decay just as well as a more difficult and expensive treatment,’ commented Professor Ivor Chestnutt of the Cardiff University School of Dentistry, who was responsible for leading the study.
‘Fluoride varnish is simple to apply and requires less complex intervention than that required for placing plastic sealants.’
‘This study provides invaluable evidence for National Health Service dental services in the UK and has implications for dental prevention around the world,’ he continued.
