Dental fluorosis is a change in the appearance of the tooth’s enamel surface. The most common ones do not affect the function of the tooth and don’t cause pain.

Mild forms appear as white , lacing markings on the tooth’s enamel and are difficult to see with the untrained eye. The moderate once are the same in appearance as the white just that they cover more teeth.

In rare cases, dental fluorosis may be severe, in which case, the enamel  may have pitting and brown spots.

What causes dental fluorosis ?

It is caused by consuming too much fluoride over a period of time when the teeth are forming but before they appear in the mouth. It usually occurs before the age of 8 years. It is important to monitor your child’s teeth brushing so that she does not use too much toothpaste, mouthwash or mouth rinse. The child should also learn how to spit and not swallow .

Children who consume a typical diet, use fluoridated water and fluoridated dental products the right way will get the fluoride  they need for healthy teeth. You do  not have to monitor water or food sources because the child ingest low sources of fluoride from these sources.

How do i protect my child’s teeth from dental fluorosis?

These guidelines will let you know how to help your child use dental products properly. Children under the age of 6 should not use mouth wash or mouth rinse.

• children under the age of 3 years should use a smear of tooth paste containing fluoride
• limit toothbrushing to 2 times a day for this year group
• children aged 3 to 6 should use a slightly larger, “peasized”  amount of toothpaste containing fluoride
• supervise and help young children with tooth brushing . Since most young children will instinctively swallow water, you need to encourage them  to spit out excess toothpaste but not rinse with water
• keep all dental products out of reach of young children to avoid accidental ingestion

Find out if your primary source of water is fluorinated.  If it is not fluorinated, ask your doctor or dentist about ways to ensure that the family is getting enough fluoride from other sources.

Let your child see the dentist by her  first birthday. He  can check the child’s teeth and  let you know how to care for your child’s oral health and make sure she is getting enough fluoride .

 
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