Fluorosis is a cosmetic dental condition that’s characterized by white or brown spots on your teeth. These spots can range from tiny white flecks that are almost unnoticeable to dark brown patches that are clearly visible.
Dental fluorosis affects people who were overexposed to fluoride during their developmental years, before their permanent (adult) teeth grew in. Children aged 8 or younger are at risk for developing fluorosis.
Discoloration can vary depending on the severity of your condition. Dentists use the following terms to categorize fluorosis:
- Questionable: A few very light white flecks and white spots. - Very mild: Light white areas covering less than 25% of your tooth surfaces. - Mild: Light white areas covering less than 50% of your tooth surfaces. - Moderate: White or light brown areas covering more than 50% of your tooth surfaces. - Severe: White, light brown or dark brown spots affecting all surfaces. Your teeth may also have pitting (small depressions in your tooth enamel).
There are cosmetic dental procedures that can address fluorosis. The treatment that’s best for you depends on several factors, including the severity of fluorosis,
your budget and your own personal preferences. Common fluorosis treatments include:
- Teeth whitening. Your dentist applies bleaching gel to your teeth for a predetermined amount of time. The gel lightens your tooth enamel so it blends in with fluorosis. While teeth whitening is an option for mild cases of fluorosis, other treatments may be more suitable for you. - Dental bonding. During this procedure, your dentist uses tooth-colored composite resin to cover up fluorosis stains. Your teeth are then shaped and polished for natural-looking results. - Dental veneers. Made from resin or porcelain, veneers are thin shells that adhere to the front surfaces of your teeth. Veneers are custom-made, so you’ll need to have dental impressions to achieve the correct fit and size. - Dental crowns. Like veneers, crowns are custom-made. However, this type of dental restoration fits over your entire tooth. Your dentist will need to remove some of your natural enamel so the crown fits properly. - Enamel microabrasion. During this procedure, your dentist removes a small layer of enamel from your teeth. This helps eliminate many fluorosis stains. Often, your dentist will follow enamel microabrasion with teeth whitening to make the color of your teeth even more uniform. To reduce your child’s risk for fluorosis, be aware of how much fluoride they’re exposed to. Find out about water fluoridation laws in your area, or test your well water for fluoride levels. While you don’t want your child exposed to too much fluoride, you also want to make sure they get enough while their teeth are developing. The proper amount of fluoride is important for your child’s oral health. Make sure your child spits toothpaste out instead of swallowing it. Limit your child’s consumption of sugary and acidic foods and beverages.Practice good dental hygiene habits with your childز Visit your dentist at least every six months for routine dental check-ups.