The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended that doctors apply a fluoride varnish on the teeth of children ages six months to five years, and the Virginia Dental Association (VDA) is applauding that recommendation.
The AAP contends that the varnish can help reduce cavities, the top chronic disease affecting young children.
The AAP included the new guideline on fluoride varnish as part of a larger update to its Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care.
“The Virginia Dental Association is delighted that the American Academy of Pediatrics is encouraging parents to start their children’s dental care early,” said VDA President Richard L. Taliaferro, DDS. “We know that most children do not start seeing a dentist until later so it is helpful for pediatricians to both apply a fluoride varnish and examine their young patients’ teeth in advance of that first visit. This is a win-win for oral health in general, and as the organization representing the vast majority of dentists in the Commonwealth, the VDA is on board with this new recommendation from the AAP.”
The AAP’s report also suggests changes in how physicians should address vision screenings, depression, high blood cholesterol levels and iron deficiency among other conditions…
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