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Some Signs Your Child May Be Suffering From Fluorosis

  • May 28, 2021
  • 7:53 am
  • Dental Care
  • fluorosis, Parkcrest Dental Group

Dental fluorosis is caused when a child has taken in too much fluoride over a long period of time, usually before the age of 8 when their teeth are still forming under the gums. Children 8 years old and younger are at particular risk because their baby teeth are being replaced by still-developing permanent teeth. 

In today’s blog from the pediatric dentistry team at Parkcrest Dental Group, our oral hygiene specialist will explain how fluorosis develops and what you can do about it. 

Related Post: Promoting Your Child’s Self Image with Oral Hygiene

Signs & Symptoms  

You may not think there’s anything wrong with your child’s teeth because fluorosis doesn’t present as decay or chipping. But you’ve noticed that their teeth have white specs or even a white lacy effect around the edges. This can also show as pits, surface irregularities, and yellow or dark brown stains. This could be fluorosis, a cosmetic issue of the teeth caused by too much fluoride before the age of 8. 

While this issue isn’t physically harmful or dangerous to the teeth or mouth, it can cause psychological distress and enhanced self-consciousness and lower self-esteem. 

Reduce the Occurrence of Fluorosis

The first thing you as a parent can do is to find out if your state adds fluoride to the drinking water. You can find it at My Water’s Fluoride. If your state adds fluoride, you may need to check other sources for it in the home.  

You can check your family’s oral dental products for levels of fluoride. Many toothpastes and mouth rinses contain fluoride. Combine these with fluoride supplements and drinking water with fluoride, and you could put your child at risk for fluorosis. 

Related post: How Do Oral Hygiene Products Earn the ADA Seal of Acceptance? 

Treating Fluorosis

In most cases, the fluorosis is so mild that it doesn’t need treatment. 

In moderate to severe cases, which are rare, your dentist may recommend the following: 

  • MI Paste – a calcium phosphate that is used along with microabrasion to minimize the tooth’s discoloration
  • Crowns
  • Veneers are custom-made restorations that cover the front of the tooth to improve the appearance 
  • Bonding – a hard resin that coats the enamel
  • Teeth whitening 

Your dentist will be able to identify fluorosis and determine the best course of treatment for you or your child. If you suspect fluorosis, call your dentist today. 

Related post: The How-To Guide for Treating White Spots on Teeth

Call the Pediatric Dentist at Parkcrest Dental Group

Does your child have white splotches on his or her teeth?. Contact Parkcrest Dental Group online or call (417) 887-1220 to make an appointment. Our doctors can give you some tips and treatment options.

Meet Some Dentists in Springfield, MO

Some of the doctors at Parkcrest Dental Group

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top center) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (top right) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (bottom left) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom center) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

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