What is dental fluorosis?
The Canadian Dental Association - Your Oral Health - FAQs & ...Dental fluorosis occurs when white specks appear on a child's teeth and is the result of a child getting too much fluoride. There is recent evidence that dental fluorosis among children is increasing. Most dental fluorosis is mild and barely visible. Dental fluorosis is not health threatening. It is mainly a cosmetic condition. In more severe cases, it can be easily treated by the dentist. Dental fluorosis is not a problem for older children or adults.
Related QuestionsWhat is fluorosis?
Abacus Dental PracticeEnamel fluorosis is a result of too much fluoride, absorbed while the enamel of the teeth is forming. Severe fluorosis may lead to pitting of the enamel and discolouration. However, severe fluorosis is rare in the UK. In its mildest form, fluorosis appears as very fine pearly white lines or flecking on the surface of the teeth. This mild fluorosis is often undetectable except by a dental expert.
Related QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions - West Coast DHBThe association between dental fluorosis and drinking water fluoride levels has been recognised for over 100 years. Whilst undesirable, dental fluorosis is not a health threat, nor is it as disfiguring as severe tooth decay. Unsightly dental fluorosis will affect only a small proportion of people drinking optimally fluoridated water. People living in areas without fluoridated water have fluorosis as well.Related Questions
Frequently Asked QuestionDental fluorosis is seen as small white flecks in the surface enamel of teeth. In minor cases it is usually not visible to patients but in more advanced cases it appears as large white patches or occasional pits in the tooth surface. After some years, stains may penetrate the white patches and they can appear brown. Receiving excess doses of fluoride during the formation of teeth causes fluorosis.Related Questions
Why is dental fluorosis increasing?
The Canadian Dental Association - Your Oral Health - FAQs & ...Today's young children are getting fluoride from a variety of sources, including drinking water and toothpaste, as well as foods and beverages that are made with fluoridated water. Children who show signs of dental fluorosis are generally being exposed to more fluoride than is required simply to protect their teeth.
Related QuestionsMy child has dental fluorosis. What can we do to fix it?
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhile the damage that dental fluorosis causes to the internal matrix of the teeth is permanent, the visible staining that fluorosis produces can be cosmetically treated by a dentist. Treatment options for fluorosis vary and will depend in part on the severity of the fluorosis and what you can afford (some of the treatments are very expensive). For mild forms of fluorosis, the most common form of treatment is "abrasion.
Related QuestionsWhat is enamel fluorosis?
ADA.org: Oral Health Topics: Fluoride & Fluoridation: In...The appropriate amount of fluoride throughout life is essential to prevent tooth decay. But it’s possible to get too much of a good thing. Fluoride intake above the recommended level for a child’s age creates a risk for enamel fluorosis, a condition that affects the way teeth look. In the vast majority of cases, fluorosis appears as barely noticeable faint white lines or streaks on tooth enamel and does not affect the function of the teeth.
Related QuestionsShould we stop drinking fluoridated water because dental fluorosis is occurring?
The Canadian Dental Association - Your Oral Health - FAQs & ...Fluoridation of drinking water is still the most economical means of getting the proven protection that fluoride gives to teeth. Where fluoride has been added to municipal water supplies, there has been a marked decline in tooth decay rates. Children need fluoride protection while their teeth are developing. Adults also need it since the possibility of root cavities (tooth decay in the roots of the teeth) increases as they get older.
Related QuestionsRaleigh Pediatric Dentistry-Frequently Asked QuestionsIf a child is exposed to too much fluoride during the years of tooth development they may face the condition called enamel fluorosis. Too much fluoride can result in defects in tooth enamel resulting in white, yellow or brown splotches, streaks or lines, usually on the front teeth. << return to top of pageRelated Questions
What is fluorosis and when does it occur?
Pinellas County Utilities water FluoridationDental fluorosis is a change in the appearance of teeth and is caused when higher than optimal amounts of fluoride are ingested in early childhood while tooth enamel is forming. The risk of dental fluorosis can be greatly reduced by closely monitoring the proper use of fluoride products by young children. Dental fluorosis is caused by a disruption in enamel formation which occurs during tooth development in early childhood.
Related QuestionsWhy is enamel fluorosis a concern?
Dr. Robert D. Elliott - Frequently Asked QuestionsIn severe cases of enamel fluorosis, the appearance of the teeth is marred by discoloration or brown markings. The enamel may be pitted, rough, and hard to clean, therefore setting those teeth up for increased risk of decay. In mild cases of fluorosis, the tiny white specks or streaks are often unnoticeable.
Related QuestionsHow does a child get enamel fluorosis?
Dr. Robert D. Elliott - Frequently Asked QuestionsBy swallowing too much fluoride for the child's size and weight during the years of tooth development (while they are growing in the jawbones). This can happen in several different ways: A child may take more of a fluoride supplement than the optimum amount they need (sometimes pediatricians do not take a thorough fluoride history and OVER prescribe!) The child may take a fluoride supplement when there is already an optimal amount of fluoride in the drinking water.
Related QuestionsHow can enamel fluorosis be prevented?
Dr. Robert D. Elliott - Frequently Asked QuestionsFirst, Dr. Elliott can determine the appropriate fluoride supplementation, if any, that should be given. Dr. Elliott may choose to test the level of fluoride in your child's source of drinking water. After he knows how much fluoride your child receives from their water supply, he will decide if your child needs a fluoride supplement. Second, monitor your child's use of fluoridated toothpaste. A pea-sized amount on the brush is plenty for fluoride protection.
Related QuestionsCan enamel fluorosis be treated?
Dr. Robert D. Elliott - Frequently Asked QuestionsOnce fluoride is part of the tooth enamel, it can't be taken out. But the appearance of teeth affected by fluorosis can be greatly improved by a variety of treatments Dr. Elliott provides. If your child suffers from severe enamel fluorosis, Dr. Elliott can tell you about dental techniques that enhance your child's smile and self-confidence!
Related QuestionsHow can enamel fluorosis be prevented or treated?
Raleigh Pediatric Dentistry-Frequently Asked QuestionsFirst, Dr. Dave can determine the appropriate fluoride supplementation, if any, that should be given. Dr. Dave may choose to test the level of fluoride in your child's source of drinking water. After he knows how much fluoride your child receives from their water supply and other sources, he will decide if your child needs a fluoride supplement. Second, monitor your child's use of fluoridated toothpaste.
Related QuestionsWhen are teeth at risk for developing enamel fluorosis?
ADA.org: Oral Health Topics: Fluoride & Fluoridation: In...No. Once teeth are fully developed and erupt into the mouth they are no longer susceptible to enamel fluorosis.
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