Fluoride varnish compositions for temporary application and adhesion to a person's teeth include a carrier that remains stable and translucent during storage. The compositions include a carrier comprising a stable and translucent resin and a fluoride ion source (e.g., a fluoride salt such as sodium fluoride) dispersed within the carrier so as to provide biologically available fluoride ions to teeth being treated. The carrier resists formation of solids that can plug a 25 gauge or smaller syringe brush applicator tip. The compositions may also include an adhesion promoting agent comprising an alkyl phosphoric acid. The composition adheres only temporarily to tooth tissue (e.g., for a period of at least about 4 minutes, but not more than about 1 year), after which the composition spontaneously wears away as a natural result of the action of the tongue, saliva and/or other factors.