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Fluorosis on baby teeth is a condition that affects the development of permanent teeth in children. It occurs when high concentrations of fluoride are consumed at an early age. This can result in discoloration and pitting of the enamel, which may affect the aesthetics and functionality of the teeth. In this blog post, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments for fluorosis on baby teeth.
Importance of Fluoride
The evidence is clear that fluoride is an extremely important tool for preventing painful and costly tooth decay in children. But, as with most minerals, it is possible to have too much of a good thing.
Think for a moment about iron. Consuming too little iron can result in anemia, but consuming too much can lead to serious complications like liver disease. To achieve optimal health, you must find an appropriate balance.
Fluoride presents a similar case. An optimal amount of fluoride can do wonders for a child’s oral health and greatly improve the child’s quality of life. Too much fluoride, however, can lead to adverse effects, such as fluorosis. The key is to find the right balance.
Causes of Fluorosis
Fluorosis occurs when too much fluoride builds up in the teeth during the formative years of a child’s life. There are numerous sources of fluoride, including water supplies, certain foods, medications, and supplements. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as renal osteodystrophy, can cause excessive fluoride levels to be retained in the body. Overconsumption of fluoride via toothpaste or mouthwash is also a potential source of fluorosis on baby teeth.
Symptoms of dental fluorosis
The most obvious symptom of fluorosis on baby teeth is discolored or spotted tooth enamel. Discoloration can range from white spots to brownish-black lines appearing along the length of each tooth. In severe cases, pitted enamel may appear across multiple teeth resulting in an uneven surface texture and a weakened structure.
Treatments for dental fluorosis
Prevention is the best treatment for babies with fluorosis; avoiding excessive amounts of fluoride from water supplies, food, and supplements is crucial for preventing tooth discoloration later in life. For babies already showing signs of developing fluorosis, a visit to your dentist should be scheduled as soon as possible to assess the extent of damage caused by overexposure to fluoride. Depending on the severity, treatment may include removing or repairing affected enamel through bonding affected surfaces or applying topical solutions such as bleaching agents or sealants to reduce discoloration and prevent further erosion due to plaque buildup or acids found in certain foods and beverages.
What Can I Do to Prevent My Child From Developing Fluorosis?
The chance of developing fluorosis exists until age eight because teeth still form under the gums. Ultimately, getting the right amount of fluoride is best—not too much or too little. Your dentist, pediatrician, or family physician can help you determine your child’s proper amount of fluoride. Here are some things parents can do at home to help prevent fluorosis:
Infant to 3 Years Old:
- Breastfeed your child. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the exclusive use of human milk for all infants (except for the few for whom breastfeeding is deemed harmful) until they are six months of age, then adding solid foods and continuing to breastfeed until the child is at least 12 months old.
- If your baby is primarily fed infant formula, consult your doctor on the best type of formula for your baby.
- When your child’s teeth start coming in, brush them thoroughly twice daily (morning and night) or as directed by a dentist or physician.
- Supervise children’s brushing to ensure they use the appropriate amount of toothpaste, which is no more than a smear or the size of a grain of rice.
3-8-Year-Olds:
- Continue brushing your child’s teeth thoroughly twice daily or as directed by a dentist or physician.
- For children ages 3-6, use no more than a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- Many cases of fluorosis can be prevented by keeping children from swallowing fluoride products like toothpaste. Keep an eye on your child’s brushing to help minimize the amount of toothpaste that gets swallowed.
- Do not use fluoride mouth rinses for children under six unless advised to do so by a dentist or other health professional. The American Dental Association does not recommend them at this age because many children younger than six haven’t fully developed their swallowing reflex and may swallow more than they spit out.
Dietary Fluoride Supplements:
- Use dietary fluoride supplements only as prescribed by a physician or a dentist. Fluoride supplements are recommended for children between 6 months and 16 years old living in non-fluoridated areas and at high risk of developing tooth decay. The prescription should follow the dietary fluoride supplement schedule approved by the ADA.
Fluoride in Your Drinking Water:
- Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires public water systems to notify customers if the naturally occurring fluoride level exceeds 2.0 mg/L or parts per million. People living in areas where naturally occurring fluoride levels in drinking water exceed two parts per million should consider an alternative water source or home water treatment to reduce the risk of fluorosis for young children.
- While the EPA does not have the authority to regulate private drinking water wells, it recommends that private well water be tested once a year. If your home is hooked up to a private well, it’s a good idea to have the well tested yearly for fluoride, especially if young children are in the home. Naturally occurring fluoride levels can vary greatly from location to location. Provide your dentist and physician with the results of the well water testing so that they can provide you with accurate information on your family’s fluoride needs.
Fluorosis on baby teeth can be prevented by avoiding overexposure to fluoride during early childhood development stages and seeking dental advice if any signs appear afterward – proper understanding and treatment can help ensure proper dental health development into adulthood!
References:
https://hurstpediatricdentistry.com/2021/06/04/what-is-fluorosis/
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/fluorosis
https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/faqs/dental_fluorosis/index.htm