When it comes to your child’s teeth, you’re probably more concerned with visits from the tooth fairy and the occasional cavity filling—not cosmetic dentistry treatments. However, there is one issue that is common for young patients: dental fluorosis. This is a form of discoloration caused by the overuse of fluoride. To learn more about this cosmetic condition and how to prevent it, take advantage of this guide.

A Guide to Dental Fluorosis

Symptoms & Causes

These days, fluoride is not hard to find. This enamel-strengthening mineral has been added to drinking water supplies as well as daily toothpastes and rinses. As a result, there’s a chance you might be giving your child too much of a good substance.

When the permanent teeth are still under the gums, excess fluoride creates dental fluorosis, or small white lines that contrast against the off-white hue of natural teeth. In severe cases, the discoloration may turn to yellow or brown, and pits may form in the surfaces of teeth. You won’t notice the issue until the teeth emerge from the gums, and the process ceases.

Treatment

Luckily, the more common, white discoloration is hard to detect, and you might not even notice it until your family dentist points it out. While fluorosis doesn’t pose any medical risks, there are cosmetic dentistry solutions to remedy it.

For example, normal whitening procedures are useful for lifting darker fluorosis stains. Some dentists use bonding resins, crowns, or veneers to cover up stubborn stains or those that are already white.

Prevention

To prevent the overconsumption of fluoride, check the ingredients on the items in your fridge. Some juices and soft drinks feature this mineral, and if your child is already getting it from their water and toothpaste, these beverages could increase the risk of their developing fluorosis.

When it’s tooth-brushing time, ensure your toddler dispenses only a rice grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste onto their brush. From ages 3 to 6, their toothpaste should be about the size of a pea.

While municipal water systems have strict regulations for mineral content, those with private wells should schedule regular testing to keep an eye on fluoride levels.

If you have further questions about this cosmetic dentistry issue, contact Augusto Fojas, DDS. This Westerville, OH, dentist will gently examine and clean your child’s smile as they grow, offering suggestions for both general health and cosmetic problems. From extractions to whitening procedures, they will take care of your whole family’s dental needs. To learn more about their services, visit the website. Call (614) 882-0275 to arrange a consultation.