More than half of US teens have had at least one cavity, but fluoride programs in schools help prevent them – new research

The research looked at the results of 31 studies and a total sample of more than 60,000 students. monkeybusinessimages/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Programs delivering fluoride varnish in schools significantly reduce cavities in children. That is a key finding of our recently published study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Fluoride varnish is a liquid that is applied to the teeth by a trained provider to reduce cavities. It does not require special dental devices and can be applied quickly in various settings.