Fluorosis

Almost all instances of fluorosis in the United States are mild cases that look like spots or streaks of bright white in the enamel of the tooth. Often unnoticeable, these spots may stand out as brighter white than the rest of the tooth surface. The much rarer cases of extreme fluorosis are evidenced by brown stains and rough tooth surfaces.

Fluorosis is caused by the ingestion of too much fluoride by young children whose teeth are still developing.

Ask your North Valdosta Dental Care dentists to determine how much fluoride your children need, and make sure that you monitor your children’s ingestion of fluoride from all sources. There are several potential sources of fluoride that should be accounted for:

• • • Many communities have fluoridated water
    • Some bottled water is fluoridated
    • Most toothpastes have fluoride
    • Some children take fluoride supplements

If your child gets enough fluoride from the tap water in your community, there may be no need for fluoride supplements in vitamins or bottled water. Children under the age of eight should be supervised to ensure they don’t swallow too much fluoridated toothpaste.

Ask your dentists about preventing fluorosis in very young children. Mild discoloration caused by fluorosis may be reversed by teeth whitening. More serious discoloration can be concealed with veneers or dental bonding. Ask your dentists for recommendations for your particular circumstances.