What You Should Know About Fluorosis

Dental fluorosis is the result of teeth coming into contact with excessive amounts of fluoride, usually in young children. Fluorosis is not a disease, but rather a cosmetic condition suffered by children between the ages of four months and eight to ten years.

In the correct doses, fluoride is very healthy for the teeth. It helps strengthen tooth enamel, protecting against dental cavities and tooth decay. But, if too much fluoride is consumed, the enamel can become porous and yellowed.

Causes Of Dental Fluorosis

Dental fluorosis can be the result of:

• Exposure to excessive amounts of fluoride, either in bottled water, tap water, or baby food.
• Allowing your child to swallow fluoride toothpaste during brushing, or brushing with fluoridated toothpaste more than 3 times a day.
• Fluoride supplements taken for the purpose of strengthening enamel. These supplements on their own are not harmful, but when combined with the above sources of fluoride, can cause fluorosis.
• Allowing young children to drink carbonated drinks.

Symptoms Of Dental Fluorosis

There are varying degrees of fluorosis, each with different symptoms. In mild cases, tiny spots of white will form in the enamel. These spots will only be visible to a dentist. In moderate cases, larger spots or streaks of white will form, but these ones will be much more noticeable. Lastly, in the severe cases of fluorosis, the enamel will turn yellow or brown and become pitted, causing self-confidence issues in fluorosis sufferers.

Preventing Fluorosis

Once fluorosis occurs, it cannot be reversed. This makes it all the more important to take preventative measures. These measures include:

• Not allowing your child to brush more than twice a day.
• Encouraging your child to spit toothpaste into the sink instead of swallowing it.
• Avoid serving your baby any baby food containing extra fluoride.
• Check the fluoride levels in your city’s tap water.
• Never give your child fluoride supplements or tablets without discussing it first with your child’s dentist or pediatrician.

Again, in the correct doses, fluoride can be great for your child’s teeth! We still encourage our patients to use fluoridated toothpastes, but make sure your child is only receiving a pea-sized amount on his or her toothbrush.

For more information on how to keep your family’s teeth healthy and beautiful, please contact Meadows Family Dentistry today! Our office is located in beautiful Castle Rock, CO.