Fluorosis

Dental fluorosis occurs when a child ingests too much fluoride during the years their teeth are developing, typically from birth through about age eight. The excess fluoride disrupts the normal formation of enamel, leading to visible changes that range from faint white streaks in mild cases to brown staining and pitting in severe cases. It is important to note that fluorosis is a cosmetic issue, not a disease. Teeth with mild fluorosis are actually more resistant to cavities.

The most common sources of excess fluoride in children include swallowing fluoride toothpaste, drinking water with naturally high fluoride levels, and taking fluoride supplements when they are not needed. Mild fluorosis is quite common and often so subtle that only a dentist would notice it. Moderate to severe cases are much less common but can be a significant cosmetic concern for affected patients.

For dental practices, fluorosis often comes up during conversations with parents about fluoride use. Some parents are hesitant about fluoride treatments because they have heard about fluorosis. This is an opportunity for education. Explaining that the benefits of appropriate fluoride use far outweigh the risk of mild cosmetic changes, and that fluorosis only occurs during tooth development (not in adults), helps put concerns in perspective. For patients who do have noticeable fluorosis, treatment options include microabrasion, bonding, and veneers depending on the severity.