Which statement about 5% sodium fluoride varnish is true?

• A. It is typically used for high caries risk and easy to apply in schools/clinics; most common fluoride today.
• B. It is never used in schools.
• C. It has a concentration of 2,000 ppm.
• D. It is a systemic fluoride treatment.

Answer: (A)

Five percent sodium fluoride varnish is a high-concentration topical fluoride treatment designed to be painted onto the tooth surfaces. It’s especially useful for people at high risk for caries because the varnish stays on the enamel and releases fluoride over time, promoting remineralization and helping to prevent decay. Its practical advantages in school and clinic settings come from how quickly it sets and how easy it is to apply to multiple children in a short visit, making it a common choice for school-based prevention programs. It is a topical treatment, not systemic, so fluoride is delivered to the teeth rather than ingested.

The fluoride concentration in this varnish is about 22,600 ppm, not 2,000 ppm, which is another reason it’s distinct from lower-concentration, systemic or non-varnish products. Because of its effectiveness, ease of use in high-need populations, and topical mode of delivery, the statement describing its typical use for high caries risk and easy application in schools/clinics reflects why this varnish is widely utilized today.