How To Prevent Fluorosis On Baby Teeth? What You Need To Do

Dental Fluorosis

Does your child have fluorosis on baby teeth? What can you do to prevent this from advancing? Fluorosis is a common dental condition among children age 8 years and below. If you notice white spots on your child’s teeth, book an appointment with one of the dentists from SDG Baulkham Hills. They are qualified and trained to handle children’s dental concerns such as dental fluorosis. Keep reading to know the different ways to prevent the development of fluorosis on the teeth, including some possible treatments to address this kind of dental issue.

 

What is Dental Fluorosis

Dental fluorosis or simply known as fluorosis, is a condition that alters the presence of tooth enamel in young children. Generally, this happens because of too much fluoride. Kids below 8 years fluorosis on baby teethold are only in danger for fluorosis as their permanent teeth are still developing.

Furthermore, your child can develop fluorosis at any time during the years when teeth are starting to form. This is particularly true if they are exposed to significant degrees of fluoride. Also, developing dental fluorosis in children may happen because of excess fluoride in drinking water, toothpaste, and fortified foods.

Low levels of fluoride can help prevent tooth decay and cavities. In fact, this is advisable as a preventative method for oral health in children and adults. On the other hand, too much fluoride can change the tooth appearance in children whose permanent teeth have not emerged yet.

 

Symptoms of Dental Fluorosis in Young Children

Dental fluorosis is a painless dental issue. It usually alters the appearance of the tooth enamel, causing the teeth to have white spots or white lines.

Most of the cases are mild dental fluorosis that does not permanently damage the teeth, and severe conditions of fluorosis are rare. Nonetheless, indications of severe fluorosis include:

  • Pitting of the tooth enamel
  • Brown spots on the enamel surface
  • Permanent damage to the tooth enamel

If you have these symptoms, you may become conscious of your teeth. Luckily you can improve your smile by making an appointment with your dentist. You can talk to them about your cosmetic concern, and they will help you determine the ideal treatment plan for you.

 

Diagnosis

The staining from dental fluorosis usually is very mild. Guardians may not see it until a pediatrician, kid’s dentist, or another trained dental provider, like a school nurse, mentions it.

Ideally, regular dental checkups in little children should start when your baby has their first tooth. Doing this can help distinguish dental issues like fluorosis or dental caries and promote good dental health. In any case, you can go to this link to learn more about the different ways to improve your child’s oral health. You can also go to Toothsome’s periodontic clinic located in Sydney to help ensure your kids’ gums health.

 

How to Prevent Your Child From Developing Dental Fluorosis

The possibility of creating fluorosis exists until about age eight since teeth are still developing under the gums. Eventually, getting the proper measure of fluoride is ideal, not too much and not very little. Your dentist or family doctor can help you decide the right amount of fluoride for your kid.

Here are a few things parents or guardians can do at home to help prevent dental fluorosis:

 

Newborn to 3 Years Old:

  • Mommies should breastfeed their babies. The use of human milk for all infants is advisable until they are 6 months of age. Then, add solid foods and continue to breastfeed until the baby is at least 12 months old. However, this may not be applicable for some mothers whom breastfeeding is determined to be harmful.
  • If you use infant formula for your baby, consult your doctor on the best kind of formula for your child.
  • Once your child’s teeth begin coming in, brush them gently at least two times a day or as coordinated by a dentist or doctor.
  • Supervise the brushing method of your child to make sure that they use the right amount of toothpaste, which is close to a smear or the size of a grain of rice.

3-8-Year-Olds:

  • Brush teeth two times a day or as instructed by a dentist or doctor.Brushing Teeth Two Times A day
  • Use no more than a pea-sized measure of fluoride toothpaste.
  • Watch out for your child’s brushing to help limit the amount of toothpaste that gets swallowed.
  • Avoid using fluoride mouth rinses unless advised to do so by a health professional.

In fact, the American Dental Association does not recommend the use of mouthwashes. This is because numerous children younger than six have not developed their swallowing reflex and may consume the mouth rinse more than they spit out.

 

Dietary Fluoride Supplements

Generally, fluoride supplements are applicable for kids living in non-fluoridated areas and at great danger of having tooth decay.

 

Fluoride in Drinking Water

Fluoride can also be found in drinking water. However, the levels of fluoride can vary significantly from location to location. Hence, it recommends that private well water be tested once a year. Provide your physician and dentist with the water testing results so that they can give you definite info on your family’s fluoride necessities.

 

Treatment

Dental fluorosis treatment is usually not necessary. This is because most fluorosis cases are mild. However, in severe conditions, veneers, teeth whitening, or other cosmetic dental treatments can be utilized to address any long-lasting discoloration.

In fact, when a youngster reaches the age of 8, they are no longer in danger of having fluorosis. Before that time, guardians can help prevent fluorosis by following the given tips above.

 

References:

Fluorosis.

https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/faqs/dental_fluorosis/index.htm

Cavities/tooth decay.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-20352892

Different Types of Cosmetic Dental Procedures.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/different-types-of-cosmetic-dental-procedures-1059022

Author: Sarah Alexander