<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the fluorine content in enamel before and after besmearing fluoride varnishes by neutron activation method.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A pair of mandibular deciduous central incisorteeth were chosen. One was removed, and the other was besmeared with fluoride varnishes and removed 24 hours later. The contents of fluorine were determined and analyzed statistically.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The fluorine content in the enamel of the tooth besmeared with fluoride varnishes was higher than that in the control tooth (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The application of the fluoride varnishes can effectively increase the content of fluorine in the sclerous tissues.</p>