Well child and other primary care visits are a great opportunity to ensure children are receiving these varnishes on a regular basis.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that children are:
- Prescribed a fluoride supplement to children 6 months of age and older if their primary water source lacks enough fluoride.
- Provided with fluoride varnish to the primary teeth of all children 5 years of age and younger.
Fluoride varnishes are recommended by the USPSTF for all children 5 years of age and under. For children with disabilities, the WA Health Care Authority (HCA) recommends varnishes all the way up through age 12.
For additional information about the importance of fluoride during childhood, please visit:
CHPW: https://www.healthwise.net/chpw/Content/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=ug3195
American Academy of Pediatrics: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/FAQ-Fluoride-and-Children.aspx.
