Dental fluorosis affects the appearance of teeth but does not harm your health. This condition, which is not considered a disease, occurs when children consume excess fluoride during the development of their permanent teeth. Whether you need cosmetic dental treatment depends on the severity of the fluorosis.
To find out what we can do about any fluorosis issues you might have, or how to prevent this for your children schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry.
Causes of Dental Fluorosis
Children are vulnerable to dental fluorosis during their first eight years when their adult teeth develop beneath their gums. Children ingesting excess fluoride during this time are at high risk of this affecting their permanent teeth. The primary sources include fluoride supplements, drinking water, and dental products that contain fluoride. These sources potentially strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay when used properly. However, each can raise the risk of fluorosis.
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Fluoridated drinking water. In the United States, this usually poses no problem due to close monitoring. However, in other countries, the underground water contains excess fluoride. There can be a problem with drinking fluoridated water when not considering how much fluoride is ingested from water and fortified beverages; such as fruit juices and soft drinks.
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Fluoride supplements. Although they may benefit children living in communities without fluoridated drinking water, fluoride supplements increase the risk of fluorosis.
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Fluoride dental products. Typically, children’s toothpaste tastes great to children, which promotes more toothbrushing. However, swallowing fluoridated toothpaste can contribute to fluorosis.
Fluoridated Drinking Water
The majority of cities in the United States have fluoridated drinking water. This began in 1945 when Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first to add fluoride to their community water supply. Although it has not been without controversy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes fluoridated community drinking water as one of the twentieth century’s ten outstanding public health achievements. This is due to what the American Dental Association claims is the “most efficient way to prevent one of the most common childhood disease-tooth decay.”
The Appearance of Dental Fluorosis
Dental fluorosis commonly does not affect the function of teeth but does affect their appearance mildly, moderately, or severely.
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Mild fluorosis. It usually takes a dental professional to notice the subtle changes of mild cases. The effects appear as scattered white flecks or a few white spots or lacy lines.
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Moderate fluorosis. Moderate fluorosis is more apparent, and the effects cover more of the teeth’s surface.
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Severe fluorosis. Severe fluorosis can cause pitting and brown staining. These teeth may require cosmetic dental treatment.
Treatment of Dental Fluorosis
Many cases of fluorosis require no treatment. However, when affected teeth need treatment, several cosmetic procedures are available, such as:
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Professional teeth whitening.
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Dental bonding.
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Veneers.
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Microabrasion.
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Dental crowns.
Prevention of Dental Fluorosis
Parents can take several steps to prevent fluorosis, including:
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Know the fluoride content of your drinking water. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that drinking water not surpass 2.0 mg/L of fluoride. According to the CDC, the minimum amount to reliably provide dental benefits is 0.7 mg/L of fluoride.
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Apply your child’s toothpaste for them when they begin brushing their teeth. A small pea-sized amount effectively cleans and protects teeth. Realize that until about age 6, children swallow most of the toothpaste they use.
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Instruct your children on swallowing toothpaste. Teach your children how to properly brush their teeth without swallowing the toothpaste.
Schedule an Appointment
To learn more about the proper use of fluoride for children, schedule an appointment to talk with our dentists. In addition, if fluorosis has affected your teeth, we can discuss how cosmetic dentistry can resolve your discoloration and improve your smile.