When your child is little, a pearly white smile might not be their greatest concern. However, caring for their teeth at this stage is crucial for ensuring the bright appearance of their future smile. For example, overusing fluoride products before the age of six may result in dental discoloration. To help you care for your child’s teeth, here’s everything your family dentist wants you to know about this issue.

A Brief Guide to Dental Fluorosis

What Causes It?

If your child’s fluoride intake is too high while their permanent teeth are growing, they may develop dental fluorosis. Since most municipal drinking water supplies already contain fluoride, a child could consume too much if they swallow their toothpaste or take supplements containing this ingredient. The result is a cosmetic condition that may leave discoloration on their permanent teeth.

What Are the Symptoms? 

Dental fluorosis affects the enamel, or the outermost surface of the teeth. If your child only has a mild case, you might not even notice it. However, your family dentist will be able to see small white lines or blotches on their smile. If the fluorosis is more extreme, the spots may turn gray, brown, or black, and they may even leave pits in the teeth. Unfortunately, these markings are permanent, and it’s possible for them to get worse over time.

How Is It Addressed & Prevented?

To find out if your child is dealing with fluorosis, your family dentist will ask how much fluoride they are given or exposed to, as well as any other medical conditions that could be affecting their oral health. For example, some spots develop on teeth after falls or high fevers. Celiac disease may also cause tooth discoloration. If they do have fluorosis, the dentist might suggest cosmetic solutions like tooth whitening, bonding, or veneers as your child gets older.

To prevent this, make sure your child uses no more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, and that they spit after brushing. If your child frequently swallows toothpaste, switch from sweet flavors to something less appetizing, like mint. If they’re already using fluoride toothpaste, make sure they’re not using fluoride mouthwash until their permanent teeth grow in.

If you believe your child may have dental fluorosis, turn to Rydell Family Dental in Wisconsin’s Ashland, Bayfield, Sawyer, and Washburn counties. They have over 24 years of experience catering to patients of all ages. Whether you’re looking for cosmetic treatments or restorative solutions, you will find the help you need at this trusted clinic. Call (715) 634-4864 to schedule an appointment, and visit their website to learn more about their offerings.