Your permanent teeth form under your gums in the jawbone during early
childhood. Except for your wisdom teeth, the crowns (the part you see
in the mouth) of all of the permanent teeth fully form by the time you
are about 8 years old. If you consume too much
fluoride
as a young child, the extra fluoride can disrupt the formation of the
enamel (outer part) of your permanent teeth and lead to fluorosis, which
varies from minor discoloration to surface irregularities of the teeth.
The extra fluoride does not affect other parts of the tooth. Once your
teeth have erupted into your mouth, they are not susceptible to
fluorosis.
Fluorosis is a
cosmetic condition, not a disease. Often, it is so
mild that only a dental professional can detect it. Most cases of
fluorosis result from young children taking fluoride supplements or
swallowing fluoride toothpaste when the water they drink is already
fluoridated.
Symptoms
Teeth affected by mild fluorosis may show no visible changes or
changes visible only to a dental professional. Mild to moderate
fluorosis is characterized by white lines, streaks or spots. In more
severe fluorosis, the teeth can become pitted and have brown, gray or
black spots, and the enamel can be misshapen.
Diagnosis
Your dentist and dental hygienist will ask if your child received
fluoride supplements, used fluoride toothpaste or drank fluoridated
water in previous years. They also will ask about past and present
medical conditions or disabilities that may affect your child's teeth.
Your dentist will examine your child's teeth and gums and take
X-rays to make sure there are no other defects in the teeth.
Other conditions may look like fluorosis. Developmental defects and
craniofacial problems can cause disruptions in the enamel or dentin of
the teeth. In addition, infants or young children who have high fevers
or experience trauma (such as a fall that injures a tooth) may have
discolored teeth. Young children can get cavities in their primary
teeth, so any tooth discoloration should be checked at the dental
office.
Expected Duration
The spots and stains left by fluorosis are permanent and may darken over time.
Prevention
If you have a child under 6, put only a small smear or pea-sized
amount of toothpaste on his or her toothbrush and encourage him or her
to spit rather than swallow after brushing. Avoid toothpastes with
flavors that may encourage swallowing. Keep all fluoride-containing
products (toothpastes, mouthwashes, etc.) out of the reach of young
children.
The addition of fluoride to drinking water is one of the great
preventive disease programs of the 20th century. Children should take
fluoride supplements only if the water they drink does not contain
enough fluoride. If your child is taking fluoride supplements now, check
the amount of fluoride in your water. If you are on a public water
supply, call your supplier to ask about the fluoridation level. You can
also have your dentist check a sample of your water. Then discuss with
your dentist whether your child needs fluoride supplements.
Some foods and beverages contain fluoride. For example, many fruit
juices and soft drinks contain fluoride at levels similar to fluoridated
water. Some bottled waters now have added fluoride. Young children
should drink limited amounts of these beverages.
Treatment
Many cases of fluorosis are minor enough not to need treatment or the
fluorosis may occur only on the back teeth, where it can't be seen.
More serious cases and cases involving the front teeth can be treated by
removing the surface-stained areas through
tooth whitening or other procedures. Severe cases of fluorosis can be covered with
restorations, such as
bonding,
crowns or
veneers.
When To Call a Professional
If you notice white streaks or spots on your child's teeth or notice
that one or more teeth are discolored, contact your dental office.
Prognosis
Teeth affected by fluorosis are not diseased. Cosmetic concerns can
be addressed with whitening to remove surface stains and veneers or
other restorative procedures to cover the discoloration.
Article Source:
Colgate
18426 Brookhurst St., #101
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
