Fluorosis is a disorder that can occur when a youngster is exposed to too much fluoride while their adult teeth are still forming underneath the gum line. (By the age of eight, a child’s teeth have completed their development and are no longer at risk). Fluorosis is not an ailment that causes tooth decay, but it can cause faint streaks in the enamel. While the streaking is ordinarily white and undetectable, it can be darker and more apparent on occasion. Fluoride free toothpaste is one option to correct fluorosis-coloured teeth; however, prevention is always the best solution. Won’t you agree? To understand and eventually tackle this condition’s causes and possible remedies, we need first to understand the familiar sources.
Common Sources of Fluoride
While fluoride is commonly found in water sources, the following are some of the other familiar sources of where they are present:
-Fluoridated water-processed foods
-Toothpaste and other oral hygiene items
-Nutritional supplements and topical fluoride
Seeking the Right Balance
When your baby’s first teeth appear, talk to us about using fluoride toothpaste. If a young child is at risk for tooth decay, use fluoride toothpaste as soon as possible. If needed, a tiny smear of paste (about the size of a grain of rice) is sufficient for these small children under the age of three. Fluoride products can cause an increase in fluoride levels in the body. Fluorosis sets in when you consume fluoride products; thus, use just a tiny amount of paste. Because young children do not grasp the notion of rinsing and spitting, even as they get older, you should always make sure the amount of toothpaste you use is age-appropriate. A pea-sized dab of toothpaste is sufficient for children aged three to six.
Children should not take fluoride rinses or supplements unless a dentist has prescribed them, and watch them ensure they spit up fluoride toothpaste or rinses after brushing. Fluoride is naturally present in most drinking water, and it is usually not a problem.
How to Identify Dental Fluorosis in Children
Fluorosis symptoms range from imperceptible white specks or streaks to dark brown stains and hard, pitted enamel challenging to clean. Teeth that have not been impacted by fluorosis are shiny and smooth. They should be a pale creamy white as well. If you discover white streaks or patches on your child’s teeth, or if you find one or more discoloured teeth, get in touch with your dentist.
Treatments for Fluorosis
Fluorosis is often so minor that no therapy is required. It could also only impact the rear teeth, which are not visible. A multitude of procedures can considerably enhance the appearance of teeth with moderate-to-severe fluorosis. The majority of them are designed to hide stains. The following techniques can be used to treat this condition:
-Tooth whitening can remove surface-level stains; however, bleaching teeth may temporarily aggravate the appearance of fluorosis.
–Bonding is a procedure in which a strong resin is applied to the tooth and bonded to the enamel.
-In situations of severe fluorosis, crowns and veneers are custom-made shells that cover the front of the teeth to improve their appearance.
-Opt for fluoride-free toothpaste or choose brands with a suitable quantity of fluorides in them after taking your dentist’s advice into consideration.
