What Is Fluorosis?

Low levels of fluoride in toothpaste and drinking water can strengthen teeth, but too much fluoride can cause dental fluorosis. Fluorosis appears as white or brown stains and sometimes pitting on tooth surfaces.

How do you get fluorosis?

The development of fluorosis occurs when a child’s permanent teeth are developing beneath the gums. When a child ingests too much fluoride during this stage, the tooth enamel becomes stained. One in every four Americans ages 6 to 49 has mild fluorosis, which appears as white spots or flecks covering a small amount of tooth surface. In moderate to severe cases these spots cover more tooth surface and become light or dark brown and form pits in the enamel.

The only symptom of fluorosis is tooth discoloration. Fluorosis does not make your teeth weaker, and it does not affect oral health or function. Actually, people with fluorosis get fewer cavities. This is why most municipalities fluoridate their water systems, at a level that will strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay in the population, but not enough to cause fluorosis.

Who can get fluorosis?

Only children with their primary teeth can develop fluorosis because it happens to the permanent teeth under the gums. Erupted teeth cannot get fluorosis.

How can you prevent fluorosis?

To prevent your child from developing fluorosis, you can monitor their fluoride intake. Always supervise or help your child brush their teeth and use a rice-grain sized amount of toothpaste. Instruct them to spit their toothpaste out and not swallow. If they are still learning not to swallow toothpaste, you can use a non-fluoridated toothpaste until they get the hang of it. You can also find out the fluoride levels in your city’s water to ensure they are safe.

To learn more about fluorosis, call or stop by Ridge View Dental to schedule an appointment.