Dental fluorosis is a condition that becomes evident during tooth eruption, indicated by the appearance of white spots on the enamel, and is triggered by an excess concentration of fluoride in the teeth.
This problem can affect infants, children, and even adults, as dental fluorosis can occur in both primary and permanent teeth.
What are the signs of dental fluorosis?
One of the main signs is the presence of spots on the teeth, which can vary in size and shade depending on the severity. In less severe cases of dental fluorosis, the colour of the spots on the teeth is usually white, with only a few streaks or dots being observable.
However, in more severe cases, these spots can reach darker shades, compromising the dental structure and aesthetics.
What causes dental fluorosis?
The main cause of dental fluorosis is the ingestion of an excessive concentration of fluoride during the formation stage of teeth, either by swallowing toothpaste or through combined preventive therapies, such as brushing with fluoridated toothpaste along with fluoride tablets and/or consuming fluoridated water.
The amount of fluoride in the toothpaste should be appropriate for the child's age group to prevent issues like dental fluorosis.
How can I treat and prevent dental fluorosis?
As a preventive method for dental fluorosis, one should control the amount of toothpaste placed on the toothbrush – for children aged 0-2 years, the toothbrush should be “dipped” in toothpaste; for ages 3-5, the amount of toothpaste should be equivalent to a grain of rice; and from age 6 onwards, the amount of toothpaste should be the size of a pea.
Dental fluorosis should be diagnosed in consultation with a dentist or oral hygienist. In cases where aesthetics may be compromised, treatment with infiltrative resins or micro-abrasion may be considered - a minimally invasive method that allows for treating the affected surface of the tooth, camouflaging and removing stains, respectively.
In more extreme cases of dental fluorosis, it may be necessary to resort to restoration, or if the teeth are in an advanced state of wear, applying veneers or dental crowns may be advised.
If you have questions about how to treat and resolve stains on teeth caused by dental fluorosis, do not hesitate to visit the MALO CLINIC. Our teams of experienced dentists are prepared to take care of you and help restore your oral health quickly.
Schedule your appointment at the MALO CLINIC.
