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Fluorosis is a dental condition that affects the appearance of tooth enamel. It usually occurs in younger children who may inadvertently ingest excessive amounts of fluoride from toothpaste or mouthwash.
Unknowingly, fluoride can be found in everyday consumables such as:
- Fluoridated drinking water
- Supplements
- Fluoride-fortified fruit juices
- Soft drinks
In these cases, governing organisations regularly allow the use of fluoride in food and beverages.
Fluoride occurs naturally in water, and its concentration varies by geographic location.
Fluoride minerals can also be found naturally in fish, rice, and even tea.
What are the symptoms of fluorosis?
Affected teeth appear mildly discoloured, which may include the following:
- The irregular surface colour of teeth, such as faint white lines
- Yellow or brown staining on teeth
- The formation of pits
In most cases, Fluorosis doesn’t affect the health of your teeth. It isn’t a form of oral disease or a sign of decay.
However, fluorosis is often mistaken for staining and requires a thorough professional dental examination for diagnosis.
What causes fluorosis?
In most cases, fluorosis occurs in younger children while their teeth are growing. Children are most susceptible, as they may inadvertently consume excessive amounts of fluoride over an extended period.
New teeth are more vulnerable to this while underneath the gum, which is why children are affected more often.
Once new adult teeth break through the gum, they are less likely to be affected by Fluorosis.
How do I prevent fluorosis from developing in my child?
During the early years of brushing, monitoring your child’s habits is vital.
Whenever possible, prevent your child from using excessive amounts of toothpaste and avoid swallowing toothpaste or mouthwash.
A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is recommended.
Try encouraging your child to brush twice a day for 2 minutes each. Flossing once a day is also recommended.
For children under six, try to avoid fluoride mouthwash.
Even though mouthwash is a good habit for everybody, young children are more likely to accidentally swallow mouthwash as they haven’t appropriately developed their swallowing reflexes.
What is severe dental fluorosis?
Severe dental fluorosis is a condition that occurs when there is excessive exposure to fluoride during tooth development, typically in childhood.
It is characterised by significant enamel hypoplasia, which means that the enamel on the teeth is poorly formed and may appear pitted, stained, or have brown or black spots.
The severity of dental fluorosis can vary, with mild cases showing faint white lines or streaks on the enamel and severe cases resulting in extensive enamel damage and discolouration.
To identify severe dental fluorosis, dentists and dental professionals examine the teeth for specific signs.
These signs include deeply stained or discoloured enamel, rough or pitted surfaces, and sometimes even enamel loss, which can lead to tooth sensitivity and an increased risk of cavities.
In severe cases, the teeth may have a mottled or blotchy appearance, making them visually distinct from healthy teeth.
Is fluoride in tap water & can that affect my teeth?
Fluoride is a natural element in water, including both fresh and seawater.
In Australia in the 1960s, scientists began adding fluoride to the public water supply at a safe level. This process is known as water fluoridation.
The purpose is to improve oral health throughout the community, regardless of age, income, or lifestyle.
Consequently, water fluoridation provides the oral benefits of fluoride, helping reduce tooth decay and gum disease.
The process in Australia is carried out under strict management and compliance measures (Safe Drinking Water Act 2003), ensuring that water with additional fluoride is safe to drink.
A recent study by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) on the safety and effectiveness of Water Fluoridation concluded that fluoridation is a safe and effective method for reducing tooth decay.
Because of its benefits for adults and children, Water Fluoridation has been campaigned internationally by recognised organisations in Australia and worldwide.
A few include the World Health Organisation, the Australian Medical Association, and the Australian Dental Association.
How do I treat fluorosis, or what can a dentist near me do to treat fluorosis?
In most cases, Fluorosis is mild, with no dental treatment necessary.
Cosmetic dentists can use various dental treatments to help mask teeth affected by fluorosis.
When dentists identify staining on a patient’s teeth, they can perform deep cleaning and polishing techniques during a comprehensive check-up and cleaning.
Before undergoing any procedures, it is vital to consult a dentist for a professional diagnosis and recommendations specific to your needs.
- Deep teeth cleaning and polishing can help remove surface stains. Combining a deep clean with dental tooth whitening can result in significant improvements. However, teeth whitening can temporarily make fluorosis appear more prominent. Therefore, patients seeking optimal results may be recommended to undergo consecutive teeth whitening treatments.
- Composite Veneers, or Porcelain Veneers, are highly effective methods that can instantly improve the appearance of your smile. Veneers cover the face of each treated tooth, removing the appearance of past fluorosis. Veneers also improve the shape and size of teeth, fill minor gaps, and enhance overall white colour (shade).
- Bonding: Edge Bonding is a popular, effective method that coats the tooth or affected area with a solid, natural-looking resin on top of your enamel. The difference between bonding and composite veneers is that bonding only covers a small part of the tooth. In comparison, composite veneers cover the entire visual area of the tooth.
- Dental Crowns are porcelain teeth that cover the whole natural tooth after being shaved down to a post-like structure to hold the crown. This process may depend on the patient’s functional and aesthetic needs, as determined by a dentist. Porcelain Veneers differ from Dental Crowns in that they only cover the front of the tooth and are less invasive.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as professional dental advice. It is not a substitute for a thorough examination or treatment from a qualified dentist. Always consult your dentist for questions about your oral health and do not ignore professional advice.
