One of the most common dental problems in North America is discoloration and mottling of the teeth due to chronic ingestion of excess fluoride. This is called dental fluorosis.
Fluoride is found everywhere from toothpaste to some vitamins, to many drinks and sodas. If a person takes in too much fluoride over a long period of time, it can cause fluorosis. In some cases, it can be a hereditary disease.
In this article, our Montreal dentists tell you more about dental fluorosis, its causes, symptoms and treatments.
What is dental fluorosis?
Dental fluorosis is a condition that affects tooth enamel and causes discoloration. It is characterized by an increase in fluoride levels inside the mouth as a direct result of excessive consumption of artificial sugars or foods high in fluoride.
Dental fluorosis is an infection that often develops in children, who consume too much sugar and processed products during their development. This problem does not affect health per se and does not cause any pain or discomfort. However, it can quickly become embarrassing when people notice the amount of staining that has accumulated on their smile.
What are the causes of fluorosis?
Fluorosis is caused by excessive consumption of fluoride, usually in children between the ages of 3 and 9. Its accumulation in the tooth enamel leads to the appearance of white spots called dyschromia.
According to the National Academy of Science, the optimal dose recommended for the prevention of dental fluorosis in infants under 6 months of age is 0.01 mg/d. This is the level of fluoride contained in the tooth enamel. This corresponds to the level of fluoride in breast milk. For all other age groups, the recommended optimal dose is 0.05 mg per kg per day.
What are the symptoms of fluorosis?
Dental fluorosis occurs when white, brown or yellow stains appear on the teeth. The more fluoride a person consumes, the more stained their teeth will become. The stains are usually dull and may cover part or all of the surface of the tooth.
Here is a list of the different stages of fluorosis progression:
- Normal tooth: Clear, translucent surface
- Possible fluorosis: Appearance of a few white spots
- Mild fluorosis: White spots covering up to 25% of the tooth surface
- Moderate fluorosis: White spots covering up to 50% of the tooth surface
- Severe fluorosis: All the teeth are affected with the presence of brown spots and possible crumbling of the teeth
Dental fluorosis treatments
Once fluorosis has settled in your teeth, it is not possible to remove it completely. Existing solutions can reduce and mask the presence of stain. Here are the three main treatments for dental fluorosis.
Teeth whitening
Tooth whitening in Montreal will help you improve the color of your teeth. This dental fluorosis treatment is designed to whiten the brownish stains and correct the white stains on the surface of your teeth. Teeth whitening is not a substitute for daily teeth cleaning and regular dental check-ups by your dentist.
Dental veneers
Dental veneers in Montreal are a solution to hide some of the deep and unsightly stains caused by dental fluorosis. Veneers can also be used to correct tooth color when tooth whitening is insufficient, as well as hide cracks in tooth enamel or fill a gap between two teeth. It is an alternative when dental restoration is impossible.
Dental crowns
A dental crown meets both aesthetic and functional needs. Unlike a veneer, which covers only the front part of the tooth, a crown covers the entire tooth affected by fluorosis. This treatment is also effective in protecting a broken or fractured tooth.
For a natural treatment for dental fluorosis, contact Clinique Dentaire 1935
If you think you have the beginnings of dental fluorosis or that this infection has taken over your life, it is necessary to treat it quickly. As soon as the first symptoms appear, it is important to make an appointment with an oral health professional.
If you are located in Papineau or Montreal, the dentists at Clinique Dentaire 1935 can offer you effective and painless treatment for dental fluorosis. For more information or to make an appointment, contact us today!