April 11, 2022

What is fluorosis and how does it affect you?

Many people believe that dental fluorosis is a disease, but it isn’t; it’s a condition that affects the appearance of your teeth’s enamel rather than their function or health. These alterations might range from little staining, discoloration, and brown markings to large staining, discoloration, and brown markings. Fluorosis causes permanent patches and stains that may develop over time.

Between the ages of 20 and 30, youngsters who are overly exposed to fluoride develop dental fluorosis. Dental fluorosis affects only children under the age of eight. Why? It’s during this time that permanent teeth are still forming behind the gums. Fluorosis in children can cause severe humiliation and concern about their teeth. The fluorosis stains do not go away no matter how much they brush and floss.

Overexposure to fluoride can occur from a variety of sources, including:

Mouthwash containing fluoride, which small toddlers may ingest

Bottled water that hasn’t been tested for fluoride

Fluoride supplements are being used incorrectly.

Exposure to fluoridated water at amounts much over the permissible levels, whether naturally or artificially fluoridated

Teaching your children not to swallow topical fluoride treatments, such as fluoride toothpaste, is one strategy to limit the risk of enamel fluorosis. In fact, brushing with fluoride toothpaste should be limited to a pea-sized amount for toddlers under the age of two, and fluoride toothpaste should be avoided entirely for children under the age of two.

Tooth whitening, microabrasion, and conservative composite restorations or porcelain veneers can all be used to treat dental fluorosis. To learn more or to arrange an appointment, please contact our office.