Dental fluorosis is referred as the change in tooth’s appearance. The reason for this is overexposure to fluoride. The fluoride overexposure’s risk occurs between 3 months to 8 years of ages. The occurrence of Enamel fluorosis is due to permanent teeth forming under the gums. Once these teeth break through the gums, these cannot develop enamel fluorosis. The stains and spots left by fluorosis remain permanent and also might darken over time.
Cause:
The main reason is water fluoridation and is normally an esthetic problem. Severe cases are caused by exposure to water with natural fluoridated exceeding above the recommended levels, or exposure to other fluoride sources like brick tea or high fluoride coal pollution. Other reasons are use of fluoridated mouthrinse and tooth pastes, bottled waters not tested for fluoride content, inappropriate fluoride supplements usage, ingestion of foods particularly imported from other countries, and public water fluoridation.
The dental fluorosis severity depends upon the amount of fluoride exposure, the child’s age, individual response, degree of physical activity, weight, nutrition, and bone growth.
Diagnosis
The discoloration from fluorosis is usually very mild; parents and caregivers may not notice it until a child’s dentist, pediatrician, or another trained healthcare provider (such as a school nurse) mentions it.
Regular dental checkups, ideally started by the time a child has their first birthday, can help promote good dental health and can help identify conditions like fluorosis or dental caries (cavities) early.
Treatment
Most cases of fluorosis are mild and do not need treatment. In more severe cases, whitening of the teeth, veneers, or other cosmetic dentistry techniques can be used to correct permanent discoloration.
Once a child reaches the age of 8, they are no longer at risk for developing fluorosis.
Prior to that time, parents and caregivers can help prevent fluorosis by:
- Using only a small amount of toothpaste on a child’s toothbrush3
- Supervising children while they brush to make sure they are spitting out, not swallowing, toothpaste or mouth rinses that have fluoride
- Keeping toothpaste and mouth rinse out of reach of children
- Finding out more about the water fluoridation practice in their community1
- Asking a child’s school about fluoride treatment programs
A Word From Verywell
Most cases of fluorosis are mild, not painful, and don’t cause any permanent damage to a child’s teeth. If severe fluorosis occurs, it can usually be treated through a number of cosmetic dentistry techniques such as whitening or veneers. Parents and caregivers can help prevent fluorosis by supervising children, especially toddlers, while they brush their teeth and making sure children start having regular dental check-ups by the time they’re a year old.
