Fluoride application now available with well-child visits at VMH Clinics

Any young patients who present to the Waukon or Postville Medical Clinic for their well-child visit can now receive a fluoride varnish to protect their teeth.  This new fluoride treatment is available for those ages six months through age five. 

Human mouths contain bacteria that combine with sugars in foods and beverages which produces an acid that harms teeth. Fluoride strengthens children’s teeth by fighting off this acid and even reversing early signs of tooth decay.
Fluoride varnish applications by medical clinic primary care providers is a standard, safe, and effective preventative service. The varnish is made with fluoride, a minimal that can strengthen tooth enamel, which is quickly ‘painted’ on teeth with a brush during well-child visits by nurses or medical assistants. It is a quick, painless process that sets on contact and reduces cavities by 25-45 percent.

Fluoride varnish is recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association.  The cost of the treatment is covered by Medicaid and private insurance.

Fluoride varnish cannot completely prevent cavities. Appropriate diet, regular brushing and routine dental care is also advised.

Offering fluoride varnish at medical well-child visits helps to protect teeth in younger children who may not be seeing or have access to a dentist until they are older. Fluoride varnish is applied at dental offices as well.

“The option of fluoride varnish will be discussed with you and your child routinely at their well-child check-up beginning at six months of age and continuing each year through age five,” explains Laura Baxter, Chief Clinical Officer. 

“Since it is recommended that fluoride varnish be reapplied at least annually, it will again be offered at the next well-child check the following year. Our nurses and medical assistants are efficient at applying this treatment which offers greater access to good dental care.”

For more information, call the Veterans Memorial Hospital Waukon Medical Clinic at 563-568-5530 or the Postville Medical Clinic at 563-864-7221.