Cultural influences on public school nutrition along the US-Mexico border

Abstract

Fluoride: • Fluoride varnish, a high concentration of fluoride applied to the teeth, leaves a coating of fluoride material on the tooth enamel that is available for intake by saliva and plaque. • Statistically reduced percentage of children with caries incidence when given fluoride (two to four treatments) versus no fluoride. Ø Incidence decreased as number of fluoride applications increased • Fluoride varnish added approximately two minutes to the visit for parent explanation and application (Lewis et al., 2005) and provides an opportunity to perform an oral exam.