A thin coat of fluoride varnish was painted on your child's teeth. It strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities.
After the visit
- Teeth may look yellow or feel fuzzy. This is the varnish and will brush off.
- Soft foods and cool or lukewarm drinks are fine right away, unless told otherwise.
- Avoid hard, sticky, crunchy or hot foods for the rest of the day, or for the time your dentist advised.
Brushing
- Do not brush or floss until tonight or tomorrow morning, as instructed.
- Then brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste: a smear (rice-grain size) for children under 3, a pea-sized amount for ages 3–6, and supervise brushing.
Good habits
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks between meals, and avoid putting a baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice.
Call our office right away if
- Signs of an allergic reaction such as rash or swelling (rare)
- Upset stomach that does not settle
This handout is general information. Always follow the specific instructions your dentist gives you, which may differ from this sheet. For a medical emergency, such as trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling spreading toward the eye or neck, or bleeding that will not stop, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Content last reviewed: 2026-10.