Dental fluorosis is a condition which causes changes in the tooth enamel. It is caused by overexposure of fluoride during first eight years of life, the time where most permanent teeth are being formed.
The teeth affected by fluorosis appear mildly discoloured. In severe cases, the teeth may have stains ranging from yellow to dark brown, surface irregularities, pits that can be highly visible.
Causes
The major cause of dental fluorosis is inappropriate use of fluoride containing dental products such as, mouth rinses and toothpastes. Sometimes children swallow the fluoridated tooth paste because of its taste instead of spitting it out.
There are also other causes of fluorosis such as taking higher than prescribed amount of fluoride supplement during early childhood. High amount of fluoride in drinking water is also the main cause of dental fluorosis.
Symptoms
• Tiny white specks or streaks which can be detected by the dentist.
• Dark brown stains can be seen in severe cases.
• Rough and pitted enamel that is difficult to clean.
Grades of dental fluorosis
Questionable: The enamel shows very few changes from white flecks to occasional white spots.
Very mild: Small opaque white areas are scattered over less than 25% of the tooth surface.
Mild: White opaque areas on the surface but still affect less than 50% of the surface.
Moderate: White opaque stains affect more than 50% of the surface.
Severe: All enamel surfaces are affected and the teeth may also have pitting that may be discrete or may run together.
Treatment
In mild cases or less no treatment is needed in fluorosis or it may only affect the back teeth where it can’t be seen.
The cases affected from moderate to severe can be significantly improved by variety of techniques such as:
• Teeth whitening to remove surface stains
• Bonding, which coats the tooth with the hard resin that bonds to the tooth enamel
• Crowns
• Veneers
World class dental clinic in Pune has experienced dentist who provide best services for dental crowns and veneers and laminates. Our patients are very satisfied with the treatment provided by world class team. Visit us at bestorthodontistbracespune.in to know more.