Dental fluorosis is a very common oral health problem in children, caused by taking in too much fluoride.
In most cases it shows up as brown stains or white lines on the surface of the tooth.
In other words, you can see marks on the teeth that are often white but can also be brown.
Sometimes they are barely noticeable, as in mild fluorosis; at other times they are very visible, as in advanced fluorosis. Some cases are so mild that only a professional can spot them.
Fluorosis is mainly an aesthetic condition which, as well as affecting the teeth, also takes away from the overall appeal of the face.
Although it does not directly affect how the teeth work or their condition, it can cause cosmetic changes.
Types of dental fluorosis
Fluorosis shows a relationship between the dose of fluoride and the response.
When there are lines or streaks on the tooth surface, it means there is mild dental fluorosis.
In moderate dental fluorosis, the teeth are highly resistant to decay, although they have opaque white spots.
If there are brown stains and the enamel is brittle, it is severe dental fluorosis.
Although the consequences for our health are not the same as those of tooth decay, they can seriously affect the appearance of the teeth.
The white spots or bands that appear on the enamel surface are due to a high intake of fluoride during childhood, while the permanent teeth are developing.
To prevent moderate or severe dental fluorosis, dentists, parents and even children themselves need to play their part at that stage of life.
Fluoride: what is it?
Fluoride is a mineral that helps to strengthen tooth enamel. It is recommended for children so that they have good oral health.
Even so, taken in large amounts it can be harmful, as it can lead to dental fluorosis.
It usually appears while the permanent teeth are developing and, in the early stages, it does not cause many functional problems.
However, fluorosis spoils the look of our mouth. When it is moderate, white spots appear, and in the most severe cases the teeth turn dark brown, although these cases are less common thanks to prevention and early detection.
Benefits of fluoride
Fluoride helps us prevent tooth decay, considered the most common dental condition in the world.
The benefits of fluoride are:
- Protection. It is a mineral that protects tooth enamel from plaque, as it forms a substance known as calcium fluoride. It also helps restore the calcium and phosphorus levels in the teeth. Keeping the enamel protected is essential to prevent decay and tooth sensitivity.
- Remineralisation. Thanks to its properties, fluoride allows the tooth to remineralise and become stronger.
- Antibacterial. Plaque can destroy the tooth, but fluoride, in the right amount, blocks the metabolism of dental plaque.
How can too much fluoride be taken in?
In childhood, children learn to brush their teeth on their own.
There are many types of toothpaste and mouthwashes with the recommended amount of fluoride for each age, but at that age children still do not have good brushing technique and they often use more than they need.
Fluoride is also found in many foods, such as oily fish and vegetables like spinach and cabbage. Water usually contains fluoride too.
Bear in mind that the toothpaste children use must be suitable for them, and not one that may contain more fluoride than is recommended for their age.
How to prevent fluorosis
The best approach is for parents to supervise their children’s cleaning routine until they are sure they are brushing their teeth properly.
The amount of toothpaste and mouthwash should be moderate. In other words, teeth will not be any cleaner for using more toothpaste.
Another important point is to take children to the dentist regularly, so that the signs of dental fluorosis can be detected early.
Preventive measures
- Find out how much fluoride the drinking water contains where you live. Your public health department or your dentist can give you this information.
- Decide with your dentist whether or not your child needs fluoride supplements through dental products.
- Use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, especially in children under 6.
- Visit the dentist’s surgery every 6 months.
- Keep an eye on children’s diet and tooth brushing, so that fluoride intake is reduced and dental fluorosis is avoided.
Treatment of dental fluorosis
In many cases, fluorosis is so mild and so hard to see that no treatment is needed.
Even so, in moderate and severe cases fluorosis can be improved significantly with various techniques, most of which are used to hide the stains.
Teeth whitening. This can be done at the dental surgery, with LED teeth whitening, or at home, or by combining both methods.
Dental crown. These are restorations used, among other things, to improve the appearance of the teeth.
Porcelain veneers. This is a very innovative restorative technique in cosmetic dentistry. Dental veneers give us the chance to have a natural smile again and help to conceal stains. If you notice marks on your teeth or your children’s teeth, book your appointment and we will assess the most suitable treatment.
