Dental Fluorosis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

What Is Dental Fluorosis?

Dental Fluorosis is discoloration of the permanent teeth due to consuming too much fluoride while your teeth are developing. A mild case of dental fluorosis can give the teeth a white lacy appearance. A more severe case can cause the teeth to have a dark stained or pitted appearance.

Dental Fluorosis Cause

The cause of dental fluorosis is consuming too much fluoride while teeth are developing. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is added to our water because it has been proven to prevent cavities. The amount of fluoride is water is monitored and considered safe.

A concentrated amount of fluoride can be found in toothpaste and mouth rinse. It is considered safe in these products, although children should be taught to spit out the toothpaste and mouth rinse as to not swallow it. Ingesting too much concentrated fluoride from these products can cause dental fluorosis.

Fluoride Levels in Drinking Water

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in drinking water. Drinking water should be tested for higher than recommended amounts of fluoride. If the water does have fluoride that is occurring in a higher than recommended amount, alternative sources of drinking water should be used. Fluoride is added to the drinking water in most communities. This is monitored and considered safe.

Fluorosis Symptoms

Most cases of dental fluorosis are minor and do not cause permanent damage to the teeth. Severe cases of dental fluorosis are rare. Signs of dental fluorosis can include:

• Pits or fissures
• White lacy appearance
• White splotches
• Yellow to dark brown stains

Fluorosis Treatment

Most often dental fluorosis does not permanently damage the tooth therefore does not require dental fluorosis treatment. Many might wonder how to get rid of dental fluorosis if it is severe. A few options may include:

• Dental veneer
• Dental teeth whitening
• Dental crown
• Dental filling

Fluorosis Prevention

Here are a few tips to prevent dental fluorosis:

• If you have city water, you can contact your local water filtration plant for information regarding the amount of fluoride that is in your drinking water.
• If your water comes from a well or bottled water, you can have the water tested to determine how much fluoride is in it.
• Don’t use fluoride containing toothpaste or mouth rinse until your child can spit them out properly
• Keep fluoride containing products out the reach of younger children
• Only use a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on your toothbrush
• Consult with your dentist in regards to the amount of fluoride that your child is receiving
• Schedule an appointment with your dentist and maintain regular dental check-ups for your child.

Dental fluorosis is usually mild and does not require dental treatment. If dental treatment is necessary, a visit to your dentist can help you to determine the best course of action. Since dental fluorosis can occur up to the age of 8, parents are key to prevention. Teaching your child how to properly use fluoridated dental products and understanding the amount of fluoride that is in your drinking water are key to prevention of dental fluorosis.

Caring Expert Naperville Dental Team

If you are concerned about the amount of fluoride your child may be consuming or would like to discuss how to prevent or treat dental fluorosis, call our caring team today 630-505-1516. We can answer all of your dental fluorosis questions.