What is Enamel Fluorosis?

Fluorosis

Consuming too much fluoride at an early age, while the permanent teeth are forming, can lead to enamel fluorosis, a cosmetic condition (not a disease) that can cause discoloration on enamel, usually white or brown spots, with the effects ranging from minor color changes to surface anomalies on the teeth. Fluorosis cannot develop after permanent have grown, but for those who develop it in childhood, there are ways to manage and treat fluorosis in adulthood.

Symptoms

Enamel fluorosis may have no visible symptoms, sometimes only a dental professional can make note of any characteristics. Mild fluorosis can produce white lines, spots, or streaks. More severe fluorosis can cause teeth to become pitted and have brown, gray, or black spots and cause the enamel to have an unusual shape.

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in water sources. It is the best cavity fighter and strengthens teeth in adulthood. For young children, fluoride levels should be monitored closely. Try to avoid using flavored toothpaste and that supplements are kept safely away while making sure children don’t swallow large amounts. If they swallow too much, they may become nauseous and experience stains on the enamel of their teeth.

Prevention

Again, encourage your children under the age of six to use a pea-size amount of toothpaste and avoid ingesting or swallowing any amount of toothpaste after brushing. Again, most cases are usually minor in appearance with small lines, streaks, or spots. However, these spots are permanent and can darken overtime. Fortunately, this is just a cosmetic condition your dental professional can help with. Before treatment, your dentist will first ask about your fluoride intake and previous medical conditions.

Treatment

Prior to considering treatment, talk to a dental professional to make sure you have fluorosis. Chipped or cracked teeth may resemble similar symptoms of fluorosis, causing dental professionals to perform a few tests before determining your condition, but both can be repaired with veneers. Veneers are often custom made from porcelain or composite resin and bonded to a patient’s teeth to cover dental flaws. They can also help to cover stains and discoloration.

Fortunately, fluorosis does not lead to cavities but the stains can darken overtime if left untreated. For some cases, fluorosis may appear on the back of teeth and may not need treatment. For more serious cases where stains appear on the front of teeth, fluorosis can also be treated simply through whitening.

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