While fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel to protect teeth from decay, too much of the mineral can cause cosmetic issues in young children. Known as dental fluorosis, dentists emphasize that this condition isn't a disease, nor is it painful or contagious. However, you may still want to avoid staining issues that can result, so learn more about the condition below to keep your child smiling brilliantly.

Causes & Symptoms

Permanent teeth form in the gums during the first eight years of a child's life. If they consume too much fluoride during this time through fluoridated water, toothpaste, mouthwash, and supplements, they can develop dental fluorosis. However, there's no risk of fluorosis once permanent teeth erupt.

Fluoride overexposure stains incoming permanent teeth, with cases varying from lacy white marks to yellow and dark brown spots. Severe cases also create texture issues, such as pits, on the surface of teeth.

Treatment

Your dentist will treat fluorosis based on the severity of the cosmetic condition. It may require tooth whitening treatments or dental bonding, which is a hard resin that fills in etched tooth surfaces and protects against decay. Microabrasion may also be used to smooth tooth surfaces, and severe cases may call for restorations such as veneers or crowns.

Prevention

If your drinking water is fluoridated, your child likely won't need fluoride supplements. Also, keep all fluoride products in high cabinets the child can't access, and use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to brush their teeth. Then, teach your child to spit the toothpaste out while emphasizing that it's not candy. Depending on the amount of fluoride in your drinking water, your dentist may even recommend a fluoride-free toothpaste until permanent teeth erupt.

Whether your child has dental fluorosis or it’s simply time for their next teeth cleaning, contact BridgeView Dental Group in Kodiak, AK. The dentists at the renowned practice offer care for the whole family, including teeth extractions, root canals, teeth whitening, and emergency dentistry services. Call (907) 486-3257 today to make an appointment, or request one online.