can fluorosis be treated

Full Answer

Can fluorosis be reversed?

Unfortunately, dental fluorosis cannot be reversed once it develops. Current treatments simply mask the appearance of this condition. However, you can take steps to prevent the development of this condition in your child.

Is dental fluorosis permanent?

Most cases of fluorosis are mild, not painful, and don't cause any permanent damage to a child's teeth. If severe fluorosis occurs, it can usually be treated through a number of cosmetic dentistry techniques such as whitening or veneers.

Can teeth with fluorosis be whitened?

Bleaching is a conservative method for restoring the colour of intrinsic discoloration of teeth. The combination of McInnes solution and power bleaching is effective procedure for bleaching of fluorosis stained teeth.

How do you overcome dental fluorosis?

How can I prevent dental fluorosis in my children?Do not brush your child's teeth more than 2 times a day with a fluoride toothpaste,Apply no more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to the toothbrush, and.Supervise your child's tooth brushing, encouraging the child to spit out toothpaste rather than swallow it.More items...

What does fluorosis look like?

What does dental fluorosis look like? Very mild and mild forms of dental fluorosis—teeth have scattered white flecks, occasional white spots, frosty edges, or fine, lacy chalk-like lines. These changes are barely noticeable and difficult to see except by a dental health care professional.

Which toothpaste is best for fluorosis?

All of the toothpastes we recommend also contain fluoride, per dentists' advice.Aim Cavity Protection Gel. ... Colgate Cavity Protection Fluoride Toothpaste. ... Crest Cavity Protection Cool Mint Gel. ... Quip Mint Anticavity Toothpaste. ... Arm & Hammer Dental Care Toothpaste. ... PRO-SYS Mint Fluoride Toothpaste Gel.More items...•

Do fluorosis stains go away?

Does fluorosis go away? Fluorosis stains won't go away with brushing and flossing. The only way to get rid of fluorosis is with cosmetic dental treatments like dental bonding, veneers or crowns.

Does whitening worsen fluorosis?

As you begin a whitening treatment, be aware that the fluorosis symptoms could actually seem worse when you first start a teeth whitening regimen, but after a short time, the discoloration should begin to disappear.

How common is fluorosis?

It's most prevalent in those ages 12 to 15. The vast majority of cases are mild, and only about 2% are considered “moderate.” Less than 1% are “severe.” But researchers have also observed that since the mid-1980s, the prevalence of fluorosis in children ages 12 to 15 has increased.

Does fluoride make teeth yellow?

Fluorosis: Fluoride is good for teeth, but excess fluoride can cause yellow or brownish yellow spots called fluorosis. Fluoridated water, fluoride toothpaste and prescribed fluoride tablets and treatments are your biggest sources of fluoride.

Are white spots on teeth permanent?

White spot lesions are a permanent change in the structure of your tooth, and as a result, they're mostly impossible to remove. Your dentist's ability to reduce the appearance of white spots will be based on several factors, including: The size of the white spots.

Why are my teeth speckled?

Demineralization creates white spots of decalcified enamel on teeth due to long-term bacteria buildup in the mouth and consequent mineral loss of the tooth. Thus, white spots that form due to demineralization may indicate tooth decay.

Which teeth are most affected by fluorosis?

Maxillary teeth are more commonly affected than homologous mandibular teeth and maxillary central incisors are found to be the most commonly affected teeth, whereas first molars are the least commonly affected. No change in clinical grading of dental fluorosis was noted in all three groups of treated patients.

How much toothpaste causes fluorosis?

Even a small 'pea-sized' amount of toothpaste containing 1,450 ppm fluoride, would contain approximately 0.36–0.72 mg fluoride, which if consumed twice a day could contribute to fluoride levels that would increase the risk of dental fluorosis in children [26].

What stage does fluorosis occur?

The development of fluorosis is highly dependent on the dose, duration, and timing of fluoride exposure. The risk of enamel fluorosis is lowest when exposure takes place only during the secretory stage, but highest when exposure occurs in both secretory and maturation stages.

Is dental fluorosis genetic?

So, it is increasingly becoming evident that an individual's genetic background could play a major role in influencing the risk to fluorosis when other factors like specific environmental exposures including dietary patterns of fluoride intake and other nutrients remain the same.

What is dental fluorosis?

Dental fluorosis is an abnormality caused by excessive fluoride intake. It occurs when too much fluoride is consumed while the teeth are developing...

What causes white spots on teeth from fluorosis?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that's been proven to strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent tooth decay. But it's only beneficial when...

Is fluorosis reversible?

Fluorosis damages teeth while they are developing. By the time they erupt, dental fluorosis reversal isn't possible. However, there are various cos...

When does fluorosis develop?

Fluorosis can form at any time when the teeth are developing, and this starts in the womb. Even after the teeth are fully developed, the effects of...

How is dental fluorosis diagnosed?

There are several things that can cause white marks on teeth or other changes to tooth color. As well as fluorosis, decalcification, enamel hypopla...

Can you get treatment for fluorosis on Medicaid?

Because fluorosis is treated in a number of different ways (cosmetic and medical), there is no simple way to know if the treatment will be covered...

What is the key to preventing fluorosis?

Parental vigilance is the key to preventing fluorosis.

What is fluorosis caused by?

Learn more from WebMD about fluorosis, a dental condition caused by overexposure to fluoride during childhood.

How Widespread Is Fluorosis?

Researchers were surprised by the high prevalence of what was called “Colorado Brown Stain” on the teeth of native-born residents of Colorado Springs. The stains were caused by high levels of fluoride in the local water supply. This was fluoride that occurred naturally in the ground water. People with these stains also had an unusually high resistance to dental cavities. This sparked a movement to introduce fluoride into public water supplies at a level that could prevent cavities but without causing fluorosis.

Why do children have fluorosis?

A major cause of fluorosis is the inappropriate use of fluoride-containing dental products such as toothpaste and mouth rinses. Sometimes, children enjoy the taste of fluoridated toothpaste so much that they swallow it instead of spitting it out.

How to tell if you have fluorosis?

Symptoms of fluorosis range from tiny white specks or streaks that may be unnoticeable to dark brown stains and rough, pitted enamel that is difficult to clean. Teeth that are unaffected by fluorosis are smooth and glossy. They should also be a pale creamy white.

How common is fluorosis in children?

The vast majority of cases are mild, and only about 2% are considered “moderate.” Less than 1% are “severe.” But researchers have also observed that since the mid-1980s, the prevalence of fluorosis in children ages 12 to 15 has increased.

Is fluorosis a disease?

Although fluorosis is not a disease, its effects can be psychologically distressing and difficult to treat. Parental vigilance can play an important role in preventing fluorosis.

When does fluorosis develop?

Fluorosis can form at any time when the teeth are developing , and this starts in the womb. Even after the teeth are fully developed, the effects of fluorosis can worsen if it's not treated appropriately.

How is dental fluorosis diagnosed?

As well as fluorosis, decalcification, enamel hypoplasia, or dental caries might also be to blame. So although you might see white spots on your child's te eth and assume it's fluorosis, it's important to visit a dentist for proper diagnosis.

What is the effect of fluoride on teeth?

Fluoride is an essential element for healthy teeth; it increases the mineralization of enamel and protects against decay. But overexposure while teeth are developing can lead to dental fluorosis, a condition which attacks enamel and can be quite unsightly. The most obvious sign of fluorosis is discoloration or white spots on the teeth.

How to reduce fluoride in water?

How to reduce the risk of excess fluoride consumption 1 Check how much fluoride is in your water supply. It's naturally present to some degree in most places, and some local authorities add fluoride to the public water supply. You can find information about fluoride in US water supplies here. If you have a private water supply (e.g. a well), get it tested at least once a year. 2 Don't give your child fluoride supplements unless instructed. Your doctor or dentist may recommend you give your child a fluoride supplement, but only if they aren't getting enough fluoride from other sources. 3 Supervise your child's brushing. Once your child is using fluoride toothpaste, it's important they don't deliberately eat it or swallow too much while brushing. Use a smear of toothpaste for children under 3, and a pea-sized amount thereafter. Our kids' toothpaste guide has more useful information about choosing the right toothpaste and using it correctly. 4 Don't give fluoride mouthwash to children under 6. They shouldn't need any mouthwash if they're brushing well, and there's a risk of them swallowing some. 5 If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk to your dentist. They may recommend that you lower your fluoride intake (if you take supplements) as there is no evidence to suggest that fluoride intake during pregnancy helps prevent tooth decay in the child later on, but drinking water with fluoride shouldn't have any adverse effects.

How do you know if you have fluorosis?

The most obvious sign of fluorosis is discoloration or white spots on the teeth. If you want your baby or child to have healthy teeth but are worried about the effects of too much fluoride, this article should answer all your questions.

Is fluorosis preventable?

Fortunately, the majority of cases in the US are mild and the results are purely cosmetic and don't negatively impact the enamel. Fluorosis is also quite preventable, as there are several measures you can take to control your child's fluoride intake and reduce the risk of them developing fluorosis.

Can fluoride cause white spots on teeth?

It occurs when too much fluoride is consumed while the teeth are developing in childhood, and it permanently affects the teeth in question. Fluorosis can affect the appearance of the teeth in a number of ways, depending on its severity. Fluorosis symptoms include: These marks are caused by fluorosis. Cloudy white lines, spots, or marks on teeth.

Why is fluorosis a problem?

Causes. Fluorosis is caused by high levels of fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that has been shown to help prevent cavities. Fluoride is typically found in toothpaste and mouthwash and is added to public drinking water sources in many places around the world.

What is fluorosis in dentistry?

Fluorosis, also called dental fluorosis, is a condition that changes the appearance of tooth enamel in young children as a result of being exposed to too much fluoride.

Why do children ingest fluoride?

Children younger than 8, especially toddlers, tend to ingest more fluoride than older children and adults because they are prone to swallowing toothpaste when they brush. Fluoride in toothpaste and mouth rinse is very concentrated. Over time, swallowing toothpaste or mouth rinse adds to a child's intake of fluoride and can cause fluorosis ...

How long does it take for a child to develop fluorosis?

A child can develop fluorosis any time during the years when teeth are beginning to form (birth to 8 years) if they are exposed to high levels of fluoride. Excess fluoride may be consumed through toothpaste, drinking water, and fortified foods. Low levels of fluoride have been shown to help prevent cavities and are often recommended as ...

How to tell if you have fluorosis?

The majority of cases are mild and do not permanently damage teeth, and severe cases of fluorosis are not common. However, signs of severe fluorosis include: 1 Brown spots on tooth enamel 2 Pitting of the enamel 1  3 Permanent damage to the tooth enamel

What is the condition called when you have a tooth that is exposed to too much fluoride?

Diagnosis. Treatment. Fluorosis, also called dental fluorosis, is a condition that changes the appearance of tooth enamel in young children as a result of being exposed to too much fluoride. Children are only at risk for fluorosis while their permanent teeth are still forming. 1  Adults and children older than 8 do not get fluorosis.

What happens if a child has fluorosis?

If a child has developed fluorosis, the appearance of the tooth enamel will change, usually becoming stained with white "splotches" or "streaking." 2 

How Can Fluorosis Be Treated?

These treatments include crowns and veneers, removing the stains with tooth whitening treatment and application of a hard resin coating called bonding to the enamel of the tooth.

How to prevent fluorosis in children?

You can prevent fluorosis by checking with your doctor or dentist on the amount of fluoride present in the public water supply. When you know the quantity of fluoride that is being consumed by your child by way of fruit juices, soft drinks and drinking water, then it is possible to decide if a fluoride supplement is needed. As bigger amounts of fluoride can result in vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea, it is necessary to safeguard products made with fluoride such as mouthwash, fluoride supplements and toothpaste out of reach of children.

What are the symptoms of fluorosis?

The symptoms of dental fluorosis are varied and manifests as discoloration of the teeth with lace-like markings with severe cases showing pock type of marks and rough pits on the enamel of the teeth . Some of the other symptoms may evolve as black marks and white spots on the teeth. More severe forms of fluorosis may be seen as white streaks on the teeth with the teeth being pitted, mottled and/or discolored.

Does fluorosis affect children?

Does your child have dental fluorosis? Does fluorosis affect the health of people especially children? Have you heard of dental fluorosis? Affecting children’s teeth, dental fluorosis is hypocalcification of the tooth enamel. This problem causes less calcification in the teeth than the normal amount thereby leading to discoloration and much softer enamel. Pronounced as floo-roh-sis, this condition is common amongst children but does not cause pain or abnormal functioning of the teeth except in rare cases where there may be brown spots and pits in the teeth.

Can children have fluorosis?

With infants, children under the age of two and older children under the risk of contracting fluorosis, you can consult with your dentist regarding alternatives on how to limit the fluoride intake. The key solution is parental vigilance when there is a need to preventing fluorosis. The good news is fluoride toxicity does not cause severe damage or major consequences though any number of children have been visiting their dentists due to fluorosis.

Is fluoride a natural mineral?

As a natural mineral, fluoride combines with other minerals to protect the teeth. Working in two ways both topically and systemically, fluoride is a natural mineral which combines with other minerals in the teeth to protect them as well as acting as an acid resist ant enamel. With systemic fluoride transforming itself to work as a protection agent for the teeth right from with babyhood to a growing child, it is capable of being ingested in the food and in other supplements. Topically, fluoride is found in tooth paste and mouth washes.

How can fluorosis be prevented?

Fluorosis can be prevented by avoiding excessive intake of fluoride by individuals / community. Excessive fluoride intake and its adverse effects can be minimized or prevented by adapting following measures:

What causes fluorosis in the body?

Fluorosis is caused by excessive intake of fluorides from multiple sources such as in food, water, air (due to gaseous industrial waste), and excessive use of toothpaste. However, drinking water is the most significant source.

What is fluorosis caused by?

Fluorosis : Causes, Diagnosis , Management and Prevention. Fluorosis is a crippling disease resulted from deposition of fluorides in the hard and soft tissues of body. It is a public health problem caused by excess intake of fluoride through drinking water/food products/industrial pollutants over a long period.

What is the difference between skeletal and dental fluorosis?

Dental fluorosis affects children and discolours and disfigures the teeth. Skeletal fluorosis affects the bones and major joints of the body like neck, back bone, shoulder, hip and knee joints resulting in to severe pain, rigidity or stiffness in joints. Severe forms of skeletal fluorosis results in marked disability.

What are the symptoms of skeletal fluorosis?

Skeletal fluorosis: The early symptoms of skeletal fluorosis, include stiffness and pain in the joints. In severe cases, the bone structure may change and ligaments may calcify, with resulting impairment of muscles and pain.

Where does fluorosis spread?

It has been reported from fluoride belts: one that stretches from Syria through Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Sudan and Kenya, and another that stretches from Turkey through Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, India, northern Thailand and China.

When does fluorosis occur?

Dental fluorosis can only occur if the fluor ide exposure is during the first years of life while the teeth are forming.

How to improve fluorosis?

Such techniques may include: – Tooth whitening and other procedures to remove surface stains – Bonding, which coats the tooth with a hard resin that bonds to the enamel – Crowns – Veneers, which are custom-made shells that cover the front of the teeth to improve their appearance.

How to prevent fluorosis in children?

Parental vigilance is the key to preventing fluorosis. – At home, keep all fluoride-containing products such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, and supplements out of the reach of young children.

What is the structure of dental fluorosis?

At the structural level, dental fluorosis is characterized by subsurface porosity of the enamel surface, which is actually similar to what is seen in early dental caries lesions. Excess fluoride during enamel formation is believed to disrupt mineralization and promote the retention of enamel protein, yielding weaker enamel structures and thus subsurface porosity. All developmental stages of enamel are thought to be susceptible to excess fluoride, but it appears the early maturation stage is when the enamel is most sensitive to fluoride.

What is dental fluorosis?

Dental fluorosis is a hypo-mineralization of enamel associated with elevated fluoride intake during the process of enamel formation . In its mildest form, dental fluorosis appears as barely discernable fine flecks or lines of opaque white enamel. Slightly more involved mild fluorosis often presents as lacy markings that follow the perikymata of the enamel. More involved dental fluorosis is characterized by thicker lines or bands of opaque enamel that can coalesce to form larger areas of affected enamel. In severe cases, these coalesced areas sometimes break down to form discrete pits, which can be accompanied by areas that are stained orange to dark brown.

What is the first indicator of fluorosis?

Dental fluorosis will be one of the first indicators of fluorosis. In clinical work one of the most widely used methods of classifying and recording dental fluorosis is the dental fluorosis index (DFI) formulated by Dean (1942). This system allows the amount of enamel alteration on each tooth to be classified. The first evidence of dental fluorosis is a loss of sheen, followed by the development of white patches that later discolour and may be accompanied by pitting . The pitting that occurs with fluorosis is a hypoplastic defect.

Is fluorosis dose dependent?

Dental fluorosis is dose dependent — the greater the fluoride intake during tooth development, the more severe the fluorosis. Dental fluorosis can occur in the primary dentition, but it is less common and less commonly studied than in the permanent dentition. In areas of very high-water fluoride concentrations, all primary teeth can be affected, but in most instances, only the later-erupting primary teeth are affected—mainly the primary second molars.

Can fluoride cause dental fluorosis?

One fluoride source or a combination of, can cause dental fluorosis. Whether natural or artificial, multiple sources of fluoride have the potential to cause dental fluorosis. However, the development typically occurs due to the following scenarios:

Overview

Symptoms

History

Epidemiology

Prognosis

• Although fluorosis is not a disease, its effects can be psychologically distressing and difficult to treat. Parental vigilance can play an important role in preventing fluorosis.

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