HUNDREDS of East Lancashire children are to have their teeth varnished in a research programme into preventing tooth decay.

In a world first, a fluoride-free varnish will be tested to see if it acts as a barrier to acid attacks.

If the trials are successful, teeth varnishing could become a regular feature of public health programmes, according to Dr Gary Whittle, East Lancashire Health Authority's dental expert.

Colgate Palmolive's dental health unit, based in Manchester, is running the trials and 700 children aged six to eight in schools throughout East Lancashire will take part, along with 350 children in Wrexham, North Wales.

The areas were chosen for having some of the worst teeth in the country. East Lancashire came 93rd in a tooth decay league table of 99 health authorities.

Half the children will have their decay-free adult teeth painted with a raspberry-flavoured varnish containing fluoride every six months for three years.

The rest will be given a varnish without fluoride. All the children will also be given free toothpaste and toothbrushes and be taught how to use them. The orange-coloured varnish will be applied by a dental therapist at the school and dries on contact to a clear lacquer.

In three years' time, the children's teeth will be checked to see how much they have decayed and how many fillings they have needed. Dr Whittle explained: "Fluoride varnish has been on the market for more than 15 years but it's not known if it's the fluoride in the varnish that stops the decay or the varnish itself.

"This is the first trial that has tested a varnish without fluoride. We are looking to see if it could be used as a public health measure to stop teeth decaying. "I'm positive it will have very beneficial effects on the children who take part and I expect that those who have the fluoride varnish will have even greater benefits."

The fluoride in the varnish is thought to be absorbed into the teeth, strengthening them against attack by sugary acids, while it simultaneously prevents germs turning sugary food into acid.

It is thought the varnish itself may also help by forming a barrier between the germs and the teeth.

But Dr Whittle insisted teeth varnish wasn't a substitute for regular brushing. He said: "It would defeat the purpose if people thought that by having this varnish they could neglect their teeth."

The varnish is made from alcohol, white wax, and three glues -- shellac, colophony and mastic. It also contains saccharine and raspberry essence and half the varnish contains a small amount of fluoride.

Professor Robin Davies, of Colgate Palmolive's dental health unit, said the research would be used to obtain an American product licence which would allow the company to sell the varnish for the first time in the States.

The trials at Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale schools will start in two weeks but the details have not yet been finalised.

The programme at Blackburn, Darwen and Hyndburn schools has already started and includes Roman Road Primary, Blackburn, Lammack Primary, Blackburn, Longshaw Primary, Blackburn, St James Primary, Lower Darwen, Suddell Primary, Darwen, Avondale Primary, Darwen, Hyndburn Park Primary, Accrington, and Peel Park Primary, Accrington.