New Options for Preventing Cavities Researchers at the University of Florida are looking for more ways to fight tooth decay. One method is the application of a fluoride varnish. It s painted onto the teeth. After about an hour, the patient rinses. Normal brushing routines can resume the next morning.
Many dentists currently treat the teeth with a fluoride gel.
The varnish contains a higher concentration of fluoride. The treatment s been safely used in Europe for more than 25 years. Here in the U.S., the FDA has approved fluoride varnish for patients with hypersensitive teeth. A second treatment under study is the use of a genetically altered bacteria, called Streptococcus mutans. This is the bacteria that breaks down sugars, leading to lactic acid formation and tooth decay.