Although a common issue, few people are aware of fluorosis. While it’s not exactly life-threatening, it can lead to cosmetic dentistry procedures in order to fix the obvious damage it does. The Parkcrest Dental Group offers both cosmetic and general dentistry, but we also like to offer information in our regularly updated blog. In this entry, the Parkcrest Dental Group looks at fluorosis – from what causes it, to what it does to your teeth, and to preventative measures and cosmetic solutions.
How Does It Happen?
The Parkcrest Dental Group blog has previously looked at the ominous myths that surround fluoride and why it’s safer than you might have been led to believe. Unfortunately, there is one side-effect of overexposure to fluoride that’s sometimes hard to avoid: fluorosis.
Fluorosis is caused by an overexposure to fluoride in the first eight years of a child’s life. While it’s not particularly harmful to your health or the strength of your teeth, it is a permanent cosmetic problem without treatment.
Related Post: Teeth Whitening Tips: How To Treat Fluorosis
Signs of Fluorosis
How do you know you’ve been affected by fluorosis? Or that your child is showing signs of it in their adult teeth? The effect of fluorosis is usually pretty obvious:
- General, subtle discoloration
- Yellow and dark brown stains on the teeth
- Rough or irregular tooth surfaces
- Noticeable pits in the surface of teeth
Stains and discoloration unrelated to food or drink are the most common effects of fluorosis. Fortunately, these stains are purely cosmetic and don’t contribute to cavities or other damage. However, the stains can sometimes be severe or unsightly, and many people will seek cosmetic dentistry solutions.
What Causes It?
The most common explanation for fluorosis is children over using fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash. This can even be something as minor as putting too much toothpaste on their toothbrush, which can be a surprisingly big contributing factor in fluorosis.
Remember, a young child only needs a small, pea-sized drop of toothpaste to get the job done. You could also consider fluoride-free children’s toothpaste until their adult teeth are fully grown in.
What Are the Treatment Options?
There are a few cosmetic dentistry solutions to effectively tackle fluorosis, depending on the severity. Tooth whitening, veneers, crowns, and coating the teeth with bonding resin are all great options.
A dental professional at the Parkcrest Dental Group can give you a full rundown of how you can treat the stains and discoloration caused by fluorosis in the way that suits you best.
Related Post: The Parkcrest Dental Group On Fluoride Fears
Fluorosis and Other Treatments at the Parkcrest Dental Group
If you’ve already discovered some unsightly white spots and stains on your teeth that you’d prefer to get rid of, the Parkcrest Dental Group is here to help. We have a professional team that offers not only expert cosmetic dentistry but general dentistry and oral procedures, too. Whatever dental-related intervention you’re looking for, contact your local dentist in Springfield, MO today to get started.
