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Den's Dental Blog

Hello! My name is Den. This blog is going to cover a range of dental topics. I am not a dentist or a dental nurse but I have recently undergone a lot of dental treatment. This treatment has given me a great insight into the world of dentistry and I would like to share everything I have learnt with you here. Last year, I developed terrible pain in my mouth. I was diagnosed with severe tooth decay. The dentist removed the problem teeth and then inserted false ones in their place. He also whitened my teeth to improve my smile. I hope you find my blog useful.

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Can Kids with Asthma Have Fluoride Varnishes?

by Myrtle Banks

Dentists sometimes paint fluoride gels onto teeth that are damaged or that are likely to get damaged in the future. An extra coat of fluoride can head off some decay and enamel problems, reducing the risk that a tooth will need more treatment in the future.

If your dentist thinks that your child needs this kind of treatment but your child has asthma, then your dentist may question you closely about your child's condition. Why?

Do Fluoride Varnishes Affect Asthma?

While fluoride varnishes are generally harmless, there are times when dentists may not want to use a varnish on a child's teeth. It may not be a suitable treatment for some kids with asthma, for example. Though it is uncommon, some people with asthma react to some of the ingredients in fluoride varnishes and have asthma attacks. This can also affect kids with other types of allergies.

Can Your Child Have Fluoride Varnishing?

Children have a very small risk of developing asthma problems after fluoride varnishing. However, given that there is a chance that this could happen, your dentist will want to know more about your child's asthma before they go ahead.

Usually, this kind of treatment isn't recommended for people who have been hospitalised because of their asthma in the past. People with severe asthma may be more likely to have a problem after a fluoride varnish.

If your child has mild asthma, then your dentist may decide that the treatment is safe. However, if they have any worries or doubts about allergic reactions, they won't go ahead with a standard treatment. They may use a different kind of fluoride treatment or switch to another tactic to solve the problem.

Is There an Alternative to Fluoride Varnishing?

If your dentist decides not to go ahead with a fluoride varnish because of your child's asthma, then they'll talk to you about alternative ways to protect your child's tooth or teeth. For example, fissure sealants may also be an option.

Fluoride varnishes give teeth extra fluoride to help them deal with decay. Dental sealants do a similar kind of job by giving teeth a protective cover against bacteria. Here, the sealant is pasted on to the surface of the tooth to cover weak spots or deep gaps. These sealants shouldn't cause problems if your child has asthma.

If you aren't sure whether your child's asthma will affect a fluoride varnish, ask your dentist for advice.

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