Dental Fluorosis
While fluoride toothpaste is beneficial for helping adults fight cavities and tooth decay, too much fluoride can be harmful to children. When a child receives too much fluoride during tooth development – between the ages of one and four – he or she could develop dental fluorosis which causes permanent white or brown spots to form on the tooth enamel. Fluorosis can range in severity and cannot develop after permanent teeth have fully grown in.
Although fluorosis is a cosmetic condition, it can cause problems with one’s self esteem. In many cases, dentists can detect fluorosis early on and can take action to treat it. If you or someone you know suffers from dental fluorosis, you need to visit a dental professional immediately. Contact the Austin dental professionals of BridgeView Dental today at 512-347-8299 to schedule an appointment.
Preventing and Treating Fluorosis
In many cases, children develop fluorosis from taking fluoride supplements or swallowing fluoride toothpaste. To help prevent your child from developing fluorosis, follow these guidelines:
- For young children, use only a small pea-sized amount of toothpaste
- Watch them brush to make sure they are spitting toothpaste
- Do not give your child any products with fluoride
- Do not give your child fluoride tablets if your drinking water contains fluoride
In some cases dentists can remove the stains with tooth whitening or veneers. Contact a dental professional today to schedule an appointment.
Contact Us
With so many other concerns, worry about the unsightly appearance of dental fluorosis should not remain one of yours. Contact the Austin dental professionals of BridgeView Dental today at 512-347-8299 and get the smile you’ve always wanted.
