Introduction

drkam

Too much flouride during the early stages of tooth development can cause fluorosis (discolourisation). Children between the ages of 1 and 4 are most susceptible to this problem. Flourosis is not a disease, but it is a cosmetic nuisance, which can be prevented in the young . But if it is allowed to go unattended, flourosis can result in darkened teeth in adults. Fortunately, the damage caused to the physical appearance of the teeth can be corrected by a dentist. Crowns and veeners are usually to cover-up darkened teeth.

As it is always the case, prevention is the best option. By taking your child to the dentist regularly, early signs of flourosis can  be detected and early remedial action can be taken. The article is intended to create awareness of fluorosis with some practical steps that you as parents can take to help your kids, especially those between the ages of 1 to 4 when their ‘milk’ teeth are being replaced permanent teeth.

Fluorosis

Fluorosis is a dental problem which happens when a child ingests too much fluoride during the early stages of tooth development. It usually affects children between the ages of one and four years old. It is at this stage when permanent teeth begin to form underneath the ‘milk’ teeth. Children over the age of eight are at almost no risk of developing fluorosis.

Symptoms of Fluorosis

If your child has an excess of fluoride in their diet while their permanent teeth are developing, this can bring about the noticeable signs of fluorosis. The main characteristic of fluorosis is the stains which form on the teeth when yellow and brown spots begin to appear on the enamel of the tooth. The colour changes can range from minor tinges to extensive changes in the enamel’s surface. Stains and discoloured spots can also appear as streaks and in the more severe cases, black and gray spots or pits can develop.

Once your child’s teeth are fully develop, fluorisis no longer poses any risk, this is usually around the age of eight at the latest. Although fluorosis is not a disease in itself, it can be a very noticeable cosmetic condition. In minor cases of fluorosis the discolourations can be so tiny that only your dentist will notice them. The marks that flourorsis leaves on your teeth will be permanent, and as time passes they have a tendency to darken.

Diagnosing Fluorosis

It’s easy for your dentist to spot the signs of fluorosis  during one of your regular checkups. You may be asked some questions about your child’s diet such as if they’re using fluoride supplements, a fluoride toothpaste or drinking an excess of fluoridated water. It’s common to be asked about several other medical conditions which could potentially have a similar effect, so that they can be ruled out.

Your dentist will give your child a thorough oral examination and may take some X-ray photographs to scan for any other defects in the teeth. It’s important not to assume your child has fluorosis if they develop stains on their teeth. There’s a range of conditions, some more serious, which can produce symptoms similar in appearance to fluorosis, so make sure you have any discolouration examined by your dentist.

Treating Fluorosis

Fortunately, in most cases, fluorosis is so minor that it doesn’t warrant any treatment. Similarly, the discolouration associated with fluorosis can often occur only on the back of your teeth, where they can’t be spotted. In more severe cases, the front teeth may have to be treated through teeth whitening or another cosmetic treatment. In the most extensive cases of fluorosis, the teeth which have become discoloured can be covered with dental restorations like veneers or crowns.

What to Consider with Fluorosis

1. Step 1

   Look for signs of dental fluorosis. Although mild cases may produce no visible signs on your child’s teeth, moderate to severe fluorosis causes white lines, streaks or spots, as well as pitting of the teeth, misshapen enamel and brown, black or gray spots.

2. Step 2

   Visit your dentist for a diagnosis. Your dentist will take x-rays and examine your child’s teeth and gums to rule out other dental conditions and defects that may look like fluorosis. Your dentist will need to know your child’s exposure to fluoride, including toothpaste containing fluoride, fluoridated water consumption and fluoride supplements. If your dentist diagnoses your child with fluorosis, he may suggest cosmetic treatments, depending on the severity.

3. Step 3

   Get teeth-whitening treatments. Although many cases of dental fluorosis are mild enough to not require treatment, tooth whiterning may be an option, to remove stains on the enamel of the front teeth.

4. Step 4

   Consider tooth restorations for severe cases of fluorosis. Your dentist may recommend bonding, crowns or veneers, if whitening is not enough to correct the affects of fluorosis.

5. Step 5

   Heed prevention measures. Be aware of your child’s fluoride intake, especially while he is under the age of 6. Make sure your child uses only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and spits instead of swallowing after brushing his teeth. Have your dentist or local health department check your water for fluoride levels before allowing your child to take fluoride supplements.

Preventing Fluorosis

You should make sure to only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste if your child is under the age of six. It’s also important to make them spit after brushing rather than swallowing. As such, you should avoid toothpastes which might encourage swallowing like flavoured toothpastes and to make sure products which contain fluoride aren’t anywhere your children can get at them. There’s a number of soft and fruit drinks which contain fluoride and many brands of bottled water also contains added fluoride. It’s important to make sure your child doesn’t consume a lot of these beverages in order to avoid fluorosis.

Conclusion.

The treatments discussed above have appeared in earlier postings on this blog.  In this posting, however, the focus is on fluorosis  which can affect children between the ages of 1 and 4 because there is too much fluoride in their diet. Parents and guardians have special responsibility to ensure that kids under their care develop healthy teeth and gums. Special attention must be given to those between the ages of 1 and 4 who are most susceptible to flourosis.

Flourosis is preventable and can be detected early if you make it a point to take your kids to see your dentist regularly.  It not just to prevent flourosis, but also to monitor the development of their teeth. Advice of  your dentist should be taken seriously. There is also the added benefit of regular dental visits and that is, your child will be able to overcome the fear of dentist syndrome, which is very common in adults.—drKam.