Fluoride is an important mineral for teeth because it helps rebuild the enamel which serves as a protective layer over your teeth. Fluoride is great for your teeth in small doses, but too much fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis—a condition that often results in the discoloration of your enamel. While it is most common in children, it can happen to anybody who has too much fluoride.
Our friendly staff at Spring Valley Dental Care strives to provide you with the loveliest smile and the best dental health. We give our patients the most comfortable experience and truly care about your smile. Since we value your health, we also provide insight into a number of oral topics to maintain your oral hygiene between visits. Here is some information about Fluorosis, how it occurs, and how it can be treated.
What is Dental Fluorosis?
Dental Fluorosis is a condition that is caused by intaking too much fluoride. The fluoride causes discoloration in your teeth that can range in varying degrees. In extreme cases, teeth can even develop pitting brown spots and damage the teeth. Though, this disorder is mostly found in children who suffer from fluorosis.
Determining if You Have Dental Fluorosis
There are 6 different levels of criteria to describe your enamel. Each of these will give you a good idea of the level of fluorosis on your enamel:
- Normal: Your enamel has the usual translucent look around your teeth. Normal enamel is a creamy white color.
- Questionable: There are slight aberrations from the translucent look. This can look like a few white flecks or occasional white spots.
- Very Mild: Paper white areas scattered around your teeth.
- Mild: White areas are more extensive on your teeth.
- Moderate: All the surface areas of your enamel are affected and brown stains can appear.
- Severe: The enamel can begin to pit and show brown discoloration. It gives teeth a look as if they are corroded.
How to Treat Fluorosis
It is very rare that fluorosis reaches serious conditions in most people. For the most part, people typically experience a mild form of fluorosis and no treatment is necessary. For those who experience moderate-to-severe symptoms, there are ways to improve the condition. Most treatments are cosmetic and used to mask the stains.
- Teeth Whitening: Having your teeth professionally whitened can remove the stains on the surface of your teeth, however, bleaching can temporarily worsen the appearance.
- Bonding: This coats the tooth with hard resin that bonds to the enamel.
- Veneers: Dental veneers are custom made shell covers for your teeth made of porcelain. They are placed over your teeth to improve the appearance.
- MI Paste: This is a calcium phosphate product that can minimize tooth discoloration.
Cosmetic Dentistry From Spring Valley Dental Care
If you are ever interested in improving your smile and achieving the look you’ve always wanted, Spring Valley Dental Care offers a number of cosmetic services to help patients in around Spring Valley, CA. We can address any issues with fluorosis and help you maintain the proper oral hygiene. To schedule an appointment, contact us here or give us a call at 619.670.4471!