ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Dental fluorosis

What is Dental fluorosis?

21:56 - 4 May , 2021

Disease

It is a condition on the surface of the teeth that alters the color of the enamel or dentin due to strong exposure to fluoride during the process of teeth formation, which results in an irregular appearance but does not constitute any damage, as it could make them more resistant to cavities. Fluorosis can appear up to eight years old when the teeth continue to form under the gums, once they come out this possibility no longer exists. According to studies performed, excessive intake of fluoride at an early age is due to:

  • An amount of fluoride higher than recommended.
  • The intake of processed foods with fluoridated water or nutritional supplements with fluoride.
  • Mouthwashes with a high fluoride concentration.

Fluorosis is classified into three types:

  • Mild: slight lines or ridges on the surface of the teeth.
  • Moderate: appearance of white spots on the enamel.
  • Severe: roughness in the enamel, yellowish stains, or changes in the teeth’ shape. In these cases, the child may suffer from dental sensitivity or generate cavities more easily.

It is recommended that children begin regular dental visits from the first year of age to care for their oral health and determine the appropriate amount of fluoride and identify any abnormalities for prompt treatment.

Potential risks:

When fluorosis is severe, in addition to giving a bad appearance, the teeth can wear down or fracture more easily, often preventing their restoration. On the other hand, long-term continuous and excessive intake of fluoride can trigger skeletal fluorosis leading to joint pain, deformity, or stiffness.

Diagnosis and treatment Dental fluorosis

After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your dentist will examine your teeth and mouth. If deemed necessary, they will take X-rays to assess the level of involvement.

You will also be asked about your consumption of:

  • Foods processed with fluoridated water.
  • Fluoridated drinks.
  • Fluoride sources.
  • Toothpaste and other oral health products.
  • Fluoride supplements and topical fluoride.

The treatment to follow will depend on the degree of affectation of the dental pieces, but in general, it consists of restoring the aesthetics and harmony of the teeth.

When fluorosis is mild, only teeth whitening may be required, but in more severe cases, porcelain veneers may be necessary to even out the shade and shape of the teeth.

It is important that from an early age you instill in your child healthy oral hygiene habits, such as:

  • Use toothpaste exclusively for children and in the recommended dose.
  • Avoid excessive consumption of foods with a high concentration of fluoride, such as spinach, among others.

ABC Medical Center invites you to take care of your dental health with our professional team of highly qualified and ethical dentists supported by cutting-edge technology, which guarantees high quality and safe service in our comfortable and functional facilities with all the state-of-the-art dental advances, achieving rapid attention with a high degree of precision and efficiency.

Related centers and departments

Dental Health
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • healthychildren.org
  • ilikemyteeth.org
  • sanitas.es
  • dentalcare.com.mx
  • mouthhealthy.org
  • medigraphic.com
  • Chávez PR. Tratamiento con ácido clorhídrico en paciente con fluorosis dental. Rev ADM. 2014;71(4):202-206.
  • Azpeitia-Valadez ML, Sánchez-Hernández MÁ, Rodríguez-Frausto M. Factores de riesgo para fluorosis dental en escolares de 6 a 15 años de edad. Rev Med Inst Mex Seguro Soc. 2009;47(3):265-270.
  • Pérez PTJ, Scherman LRL, Hernández GRJ, et al. Fluorosis dental en niños y fluor en el agua de consumo humano. Mexticacán, Jalisco, México. Inv Salud. 2007;9(3):214-219.
  • Pomacóndor-Hernández C, Hernandes FNMA. Infiltrants for Aesthetic Treatment of White Spots Lesions by Fluorosis: Case Report. Odovtos-Int J Dent Sc. 2020;22(3):43-49.

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    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.