Cavities that are not treated can cause pain and infections for your child. Cavities may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Fluoride varnish is an easy way to protect against cavities.

What is Fluoride Varnish?

  • A protective coating that is painted on teeth by a dentist or primary care provider* (PCP) to prevent tooth decay.
  • Safe, quick, and doesn’t hurt.
  • Helps even if you are getting fluoride drops, tablets, rinses, toothpaste, or drinking water with fluoride.
  • Works best if you get it two or more times per year.
  • May coat teeth with a slight yellow color for a short time. Brushing the next morning will return teeth to their normal color.

Talk with your dentist or PCP about fluoride varnish when your child’s first tooth shows. All kids ages 12 months (1 year) to 47 months (3 years and 11 months) can get fluoride varnish at their dentist or PC.

Get Fluoride Varnish and Earn a $50 Gift Card

You can earn two $50 gift cards for taking your child to their first and second fluoride visit. In total, you can earn $100 after two visits! Your child must be between ages 12 months (1 year) to 47 months (3 years and 11 months).

After each visit, you will automatically get a gift card in the mail from SFHP. Each gift card will be mailed to you 8 weeks after each visit.

Find a Dentist

For Medi-Cal members, you may call Medi-Cal Dental at 1(800) 322-6384 to find a dentist or visit Smile, California. For Healthy Workers HMO members, you may call Liberty Dental at 1(888) 703-6999.

Make sure your dentist is part of your network! If the dentist is not part of your network, you will be charged for your visits and will not be eligible for health rewards.

Learn more about SFHP’s Health Rewards here.
*Your primary care provider (PCP) is your main doctor or healthcare provider who helps you stay healthy and handles your care.

More Help from SFHP

  • Customer Service: If you need help or have questions, call SFHP Customer Service at 1(415) 547-78001(800) 288-5555 (toll-free), or 711 (TTY), Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm.
  • Interpreter Services: You can get an interpreter in-person or by phone for your health visits. When you make an appointment, ask for an interpreter at the same time.
  • Need a Ride? SFHP can help you get transportation to any medical appointment covered by Medi-Cal. Ask your provider or call Customer Service.
  • Interested in Medi-Cal Benefits? See if you or your family can get Medi-Cal through SFHP.

Learn more about your covered Medi-Cal benefits and services.