Here in Carlsbad, many people think dental fluorosis is a disease, although it is not; Children’s dentist in Carlsbad explains, fluorois is a condition affecting our tooth’s enamel appearance, not the functionality. The visible changes can vary from tiny, white spots to extreme staining, discoloration, and brown markings. Unfortunately, fluorosis spots and stains are permanent and even darken over time.
Normally, dental fluorosis will be found in children who are exposed to large amounts of fluoride between before the age of 30 months. Ordinarily, children around the age of eight and younger can develop dental fluorosis because permanent teeth are still developing under the gums. No matter how much kids may brush and floss, the fluorosis stains do not go away.
Some sources of fluoride over exposure are:
- Fluoridated mouth rinse
- Inappropriate use of fluoride supplements
- Exposure to water that is naturally or unnaturally fluoridated well above the recommended levels
One way Children’s dentist in Carlsbad advises parents to reduce the risk for enamel fluorosis is to teaching children not to swallow topical fluoride products. This includes both mouthwash and toothpaste that contains fluoride. Realistically, kids in Carlsbad should only utilize a small smear along the bristles of their toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste. We also recommend children under the age of two refrain from using fluoride toothpaste at all. Patients with Fluorosis can often be treated with procedures like tooth bleaching, microabrasion, composite restorations and porcelain veneers. Those interested in getting treatment should contact us, Carlsbad Children’s Dentistry at 760-633-1131, for a consultation.