Worried about the brown and white specks on your child’s teeth? It’s called fluorosis, which is caused by excessive exposure to fluoride in the early stages of one’s life. This condition is most noticed in children below 8 years when their permanent teeth are growing. However, it’s a cosmetic problem and doesn’t cause any harm to the health of a person. Nonetheless, some treatments can reduce fluorosis and restore the child’s white teeth. So, visit a dentist as soon as you notice such symptoms in your child’s teeth. For instance, if you live around High street or Bird Avenue and your child has this dental condition, then visit the best dental clinic in Northcote.
Generally, dental fluorosis is mild or moderate. However, when the condition reaches a severe stage, it can cause extensive enamel alterations. In severe forms of dental fluorosis, pits are formed in the teeth but such cases are very rare. In areas where the fluoride content in water is less than 2 milligrams, the chances of severe fluorosis are rare.
When Should You Contact a Dentist?
If you see that there are white or brownish streaks or patches on your child's teeth, there is a high chance that your child has developed dental fluorosis. In maximum number of cases, the condition is less severe and does not cause any permanent tooth damage. However, it is advisable for parents to seek medical advice. For instance, those living near Reid Street or Westgarth Street in the Northcote area need to avail treatment for cosmetic dentistry in Northcote.
This dental condition is actually a painless ailment in its minor stage. However, it has the capacity to spoil the appearance of the tooth enamel, filling it with smudges and stains on the surface. Given below are the factors based on which dentists classify dental fluorosis.
· Uncertain: When there are tiny variations on the teeth, such as white patches or a few white patches.
· Very mild: When the tooth surface has a very small amount of opaque paper-white specks that are way below 25% of the tooth surface.
· Mild: If there are opaque areas on the surfaces of the teeth and the spread has covered almost half of the teeth surface.
· Moderate: If half of the enamel surface is layered with white opaque patches.
· Severe: When the enamel surface is completely covered and damaged. One can also find pitting on the teeth in such stages.
What is the Treatment for Dental Fluorosis?
In maximum cases, dental fluorosis does not require any serious medical attention. However, different types of procedures can get rid of the stained tooth surface and improve its appearance. Check out the common treatments adopted by dentists for dental fluorosis.
· MI Paste is one of the most popular solutions used by dentists to reduce tooth discolouration. It's a phosphate substance that is used along with other treatments for cases like tooth discolouration.
· Another option that is mostly considered by dentists for fluorosis is veneer. It is a custom-made shell that covers the teeth's front and enhance its appearance.
· Dental crowns are used when the teeth are structurally damaged and it is important to protect as well as beautify them.
· Tooth whitening and similar treatments are also used in dentistry for removing stains.
· Dentists also use bonding to coat the affected tooth with a strong resin layer that sticks to the enamel surface
If dental fluorosis is bothering you, make sure to book an appointment with a dentist, such as a Northcote dentist on High Street. Treating it in its moderate stage is the best way to prevent it from getting worse.
What Causes Dental Fluorosis?
One of the main causes of dental fluorosis is using dental products like toothpaste and mouth rinses that have high fluoride. In many cases, children get this dental condition because they like the taste of the toothpaste so much that they end up swallowing it rather than spitting it out.
However, the causes of dental fluorosis vary from person to person. For instance, many children are subjected to higher amounts of fluoride supplements, an important cause of dental fluorosis. At the same time, fluoride-rich juices, drinking water, and other soft drinks are also considered as the cause of this dental condition.
How to Reduce a Child’s Chances of Getting Dental Fluorosis?
If you are concerned about your child’s risk of getting fluorosis, find out the amount of fluoride they’re exposed to. Research and know the fluoride laws in your region as well as make sure to test the water coming to your house for the presence of fluoride.
Although you would hate to expose your child to excess fluoride, it is also significant to make sure that they get the required amount needed for the development of their teeth. It is important that a child gets the required amount of fluoride for his or her oral health.
On top of that, you can make sure that your child,
· Spits out the toothpaste instead of swallowing it
· Learns good dental hygiene practices
· Stays away from high sugary, acidic foods and beverages
The best thing to do would be to keep fluoride products out of your children’s reach. Besides, when a child consumes excessive amounts of fluoride-rich products, it can cause nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. So, make sure to visit a dental clinic, such as the one on Gladstone Avenue, Reid Street, or any other child dental clinic in Northcote.
Apart from the dental condition, it is also important to see a dentist because your child may have become self-conscious or feel embarrassed about fluorosis in front of his or her friends. Visiting a reputed clinic, such as a Northcote dental clinic can help your child get the right treatment and cure him or her of this dental condition.
Final Thoughts
Parental vigilance is crucial to prevent dental fluorosis. Hence, make sure to be aware of the fluoride-rich products that you give to your child every day. Severe fluorosis is a very rare condition as most cases of this dental condition are in the minor or moderate stage. However, if you feel that your child has the symptoms of fluorosis, do visit a dentist as soon as possible.
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