While 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.

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. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that a child have his or her first oral health care appointment around age one. ADHA suggests an oral health visit as soon as a baby's first tooth erupts. This depends on your oral health status and any additional sources of fluoride that you may be receiving. Talk to your oral health care professionals about this topic for individualized information. See similar questions...

Enamel 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. See similar questions...

There is very little risk from receiving dental X-rays. Our state-of-the-art technology utilizes a fraction of the radiation used in the past. X-rays are highly valuable to find hidden decay, tumors and determine growth patterns. » Return to Top See similar questions...

quot;First visit by first birthday" is the general rule. To prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, usually between 6 and 12 months of age, certainly no later than his/her first birthday. See similar questions...

You should talk about the upcoming visit in a positive, matter-of-fact way. A visit to the dentist can be a pleasant adventure for your child. Make the dental visit an enjoyable outing. Don't let the child know of your own anxiety or fears of dentistry if you have any. Don't use a dental visit as punishment or discuss the visit in terms of pain or other negative images. For example, don't say, "This won't hurt," or "The dentist won't hurt you. See similar questions...

We suggest you prepare your child the same way that you would before their first hair-cut or trip to the shoe store. This will not be the frightening experience you may remember from your youth. Children are keen and can see if you are nervous or display anxiety. You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive by explaining what we do. Your child’s dentist should be an important and fun adventure. See similar questions...

Since every child is unique, the need for dental X-ray films varies from child to child. Films are taken only after a complete review of your child's health, and only when they are likely to yield information that a visual exam cannot. In general, children need X-rays more often than adults. Their mouths grow and change rapidly. They are more susceptible to tooth decay than adults. See similar questions...

She must have a balanced diet for her teeth to develop properly. She also needs a balanced diet for healthy gum tissue around the teeth. Equally important, a diet high in certain kinds of carbohydrates, such as sugar and starches, may place your child at extra risk of tooth decay. See similar questions...

First talk to your regular dentist about getting specialty care. If they refer you to a specialist, be sure that provider is in the WDS Participating PPO Network, otherwise, WDS will not cover the services and you must pay for them. See similar questions...

We make every effort to administer local anesthesia in a slow, gentle and comfortable manner, thus eliminating any pain that may accompany dental treatment. The duration of numbness after treatment varies from patient to patient and what drug was used. Generally the numbness wears off after 2 to 3 hours. Parents must be careful to watch their child for chewing or biting of inner cheeks or tongue which can become injured. See similar questions...

If your child has a dental emergency, please call our office as soon possible at 630.527.8686. We will always have time to see your child in pain. If it is an after hours emergency, a pager number will be given on the answering machine. Our schedule may be delayed to accommodate an injured child. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause at your child's scheduled appointment. See similar questions...