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Dental fluorosis is caused by excessive fluoride consumption during tooth formation, resulting in irreversible cosmetic damage. Prevention includes monitoring fluoride intake and using non-fluoride toothpaste for young children, while treatment options are limited to cosmetic procedures.
Dental fluorosis is a cosmetic condition that occurs when a child under eight consumes too much fluoride while teeth are forming. Fluoride interferes with proper crystalline development of tooth enamel, causing hypomineralization. Stained and discolored teeth are common in adulthood, even when dental hygiene rules are followed. The condition is not reversible and treatment is limited to cosmetic dental procedures.
Seemingly beneficial actions can cause the development of dental fluorosis. Exposure to excess fluoride can begin in infancy if parents often give the child fluoride drops. Young children can ingest toothpastes containing fluoride, causing irreversible damage to developing tooth enamel. Drinking water containing fluoride can cause elevated levels of fluoride over time, resulting in cosmetic changes to your teeth.
Mild dental fluorosis causes minor dental defects. Small white spots or streaks are easily seen on the tooth enamel. Less than 25 percent of the tooth surface is marked with white spots.
Moderate dental fluorosis affects more than just the tooth surface. Up to half of the tooth may be covered in white spots or streaks. Small changes can occur on the surface of the tooth, causing the tooth to have a rough appearance.
Severe dental fluorosis causes very noticeable changes in the color and surface of the teeth. Teeth can become pitted and brown. Mottling can cause teeth to become misshapen and appear as if they are decaying.
Treatment for dental fluorosis can only mask the cosmetic defects caused by the condition. Simple dental abrasion of tooth enamel can remove small stains and streaks. Porcelain veneers can be applied to the surface of the tooth, completely covering any pitting or stain. Another option is composite bonding, where the surface of the tooth is scratched to provide an optimal bonding surface, then a composite material is applied to the tooth to cover the damaged area.
Prevention of dental fluorosis is achieved by monitoring a child’s daily fluoride intake. Being careful to apply a small amount of fluoride toothpaste to a child’s toothbrush can minimize the child’s accidentally ingested fluoride. Some parents may decide to purchase toothpaste that does not contain fluoride until the child is past eight years old. Parents in areas that have fluoridated water may find it necessary to purchase bottled water until the risk of developing dental fluorosis has passed. Stopping fluoride drops for babies can prevent future damage to some babies’ enamel.
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