Dental fluorosis is a condition where the enamel of teeth deteriorates. It generally occurs when children drink fluoride during their teeth forming years. Most dental fluorosis cases are mild to moderate. White spots appear on the tooth that is barely visible and have less effect on dental function.
In severe cases, pits may develop in the teeth. In areas where the fluoride content in water is lower than 2mg per liter, it is rare to have severe cases. A Cumming, GA pediatric dentist can help you recover from dental fluorosis.
How to treat dental fluorosis?
You should reach out to your dentist if you spot white patches or streaks in your child’s teeth or if you see discolored teeth. It can be a sign of dental fluorosis. Most of the time, the cases are minor and will not lead to permanent tooth damage.
Fluorosis can change the appearance of enamel, which may result in white “staining” or “smudges” on the surface.
Dentists classify tooth fluorosis based on:
- Doubtful- Negligible variations in the enamel are observed, starting from white specks to white patches.
- Very mild- 25% or less of the tooth surface is coated with little opaque white patches.
- Mild- More widespread white opaque areas are observed on the surface of teeth, but they cover half of the surface.
- Moderate- 50% of the enamel is covered with opaque white patches.
- Severe- The whole enamel surface is covered with white patches and is damaged. Pittings are also observed on the teeth, which is distinctive.
Treatment
Minor fluorosis does not require treatment as it only impacts the rear teeth, which can not be seen. Various treatments can enhance the build of teeth from moderate to severe fluorosis. Mentioned below are some of those treatments used in dental fluorosis treatment.
- Veneers
They are custom-made coverings that protect the front of the teeth and improve their appearance. Veneers are primarily used in cases of severe fluorosis.
- MI Paste
The paste consists of calcium phosphate used in conjunction with additional treatments to reduce discoloration of teeth, such as microabrasion.
- Dental crowns
Dental crowns coat the teeth with a stiff resin that bonds to the enamel.
- Tooth whitening
It is used to remove surface stains. But it would help if you were careful during tooth whitening as it may worsen the fluorosis.
- Bonding
The bonding process involves coating a tooth with a hard resin that bonds to your enamel.
