Have you ever seen weird white marks or brown stains on your or your child’s teeth?

It may not only be staining but also dental fluorosis. Although this relatively minor problem is not viewed as an aesthetic emergency, it does have effects on both your appearance and your self-esteem.

Learning about the symptoms, causes and the dental fluorosis treatment can help you take appropriate measures for the health of your mouth or your child’s.

What is Fluorosis?

Dental fluorosis is a cosmetic disorder of the teeth, which is commonly found in children at an early developmental age. It comes about as a result of the over-consumption of this fluoride, and it happens over an extended time in most cases during the development of the teeth when they are still in the gums. It does not change the functionality and well-being of the teeth, but alters their appearance.

The most obvious indicator of fluorosis is the alteration in the enamel, including both light white areas and severe forms of brown spots and uneven enamel surfaces. Excessive exposure to fluoride in childhood causes this condition, even though this element is necessary in preventing tooth decay.

Most Common Fluorosis Symptoms

The dental fluorosis symptoms are normally observable and can be of different levels. The majority of them are mild and may remain unnoticed unless a dental check-up is carried out. Nevertheless, the more noticeable symptoms may be disturbing, at least when it comes to teenagers or adults who are worried about their smile.

The following are some of the symptoms:

• White marks or streaks on the teeth: The marks may be the first and mildest indications of fluorosis.
• Mottling of teeth: These are patchy discoloration usually with irregular white, brown or yellowish spots.
• Pitting of the enamel: where this is worse the surface of the tooth may have tiny pits or grooves.
• Staining: There might be an appearance of brown or darkening stains, especially when the enamel is extensively damaged.
• Shininess or chalkiness: These teeth can be shiny or less shiny as compared to healthy ones.

The changes tend to be symmetrical and similar teeth on both sides of the mouth are involved.

Reasons for Fluorosis

Only tooth development processes develop dental fluorosis, usually until the eighth birthday. As soon as the permanent teeth have erupted, the fluorosis will be impossible. The reasons are connected with the fluoride intake during the whole period.

1. Too Much Toothpaste with Fluoride

Smaller children have a tendency to swallow toothpaste during brushing. When the toothpaste has fluoride and children take more than what is equivalent to a pea, it leads to the incidence of fluorosis.

2. Fluoridated Water Drinking

The natural level of fluoride that is present in the water exceeds the recommended level in some regions. Continuous usage of such water may lead to fluorosis.

3. Fluoride Supplements

Misuse or careless use of fluoride tablets, drops, or lozenges can result in overexposure.

4. Refined Food Materials and Drinks

You may be surprised to find out that foods and beverages prepared using fluoridated water may be contributing a silent source of excess fluoride.

We must know about these causes to prevent the issue of dental fluorosis and make good decisions about dental care products and the water sources.

Treatment of Fluorosis

Although the effect of fluorosis on self-confidence is possible because of visible staining of the teeth, it does not usually lead to pain or any impairment of the functional capability of the teeth. Luckily, there are many dental treatments for fluorosis which can enhance the aesthetic of the affected teeth.

1. Bleaching or Teeth Whitening

Even mild forms of discoloration or white spots are able to be corrected by professional teeth whitening in many cases. It contributes to balancing the color in the enamel and reducing signs.

2. Microabrasion

It is the process whereby a thin layer of enamel is rubbed off by the mechanical and weak-acid with the help of a pair of very thin and sharp blades. It is an excellent remedy of superficial fluorosis discoloration and mottling of teeth.

3. Composite Bonding

Here, a tooth-like resin will be applied over the surface of the tooth in order to blend out any tooth discoloration and fill the holes. It gives a smoother and more natural skin.

4. Veneers or Crowns

Porcelain veneers or crowns may be seen as the best solution to severe cases with great staining and enamel destruction. They give a permanent cosmetic solution as they encase the front of the tooth.

5. Enamel Infiltration

Also more recent in treatment of some mild to moderate cases is the procedure called enamel infiltration which consists of placing a resin material on the infiltrating the discolored enamel and masking it.

Every case is different hence a dental practitioner should make a proper diagnosis before commencement of any dental fluorosis treatment.

Dental Fluorosis FAQs

Can fluorosis be prevented?

Indeed, fluorosis is preventable. It is important to monitor the intake of fluoride in children who are less than 8 years old. Apply the right amount of toothpaste with fluoride.

How long does fluorosis last?

Fluorosis is irreversible; its manifestation can, however, be considerably lessened or even completely camouflaged with expert dental remedies like whitening, microabrasion or even veneers.

What can I expect with fluorosis?

The issues provoked by fluorosis do not pose any health problems but are cosmetically suffered by most people. Mild ones do not usually require any treatment but moderate to severe cases might necessitate corrective measures cosmetically. Routine visits to the dentists guarantee early treatment.

How much toothpaste causes fluorosis?

A higher risk is experienced during early childhood through daily consumption of large quantities of toothpaste with fluoride. Children below the age of six years are supposed to use a very small quantity of toothpaste and be kept under control lest they swallow it.

Conclusion

Dental fluorosis may not interfere with your mouth health directly, but its effects on the appearance of your smile can be costly. The symptoms may include white streaks, teeth mottling, and stains on teeth, as well as deep marks. Fortunately, there are plenty of useful solutions proposed by modern dental fluorosis treatment to regain confidence and make your smile look better.

Wait no more in case you or your child are showing the symptoms of dental fluorosis. Make an appointment with SmileOn Dental Clinic that offers professional service and high-end cosmetic dentistry. We will assist you to have your best and healthiest smile back!