All You Need To Know About Dental Fluorosis

Virginians prioritize dental care and incorporate fluoride in their dental hygiene regime. Fluoride is important for healthy teeth as it helps strengthen your enamel, the outer layer of your teeth. Your enamel is the hardest part of your body, but it is not destructible. Too much fluoride usage can damage the enamel and cause a condition called dental fluorosis. 

If you or your child has fluorosis, it is important to see a restorative dentist in Roanoke before the condition worsens. 

Symptoms of dental fluorosis.

In most of the cases, the symptoms are mild and do not severely damage your teeth. However, some of the cases are severe and very uncommon. 

If you have mild dental fluorosis, it will not cause you much pain. Your enamel will change and become stained with white splotches. 

Severe cases of dental fluorosis can affect your dental health poorly. Some of the common symptoms include pitting of the enamel, brown spots on the enamel, and permanent damage to the enamel.

Causes of dental fluorosis.

A great mineral that helps prevent tooth decay and naturally strengthens tooth enamel is fluoride. There are various benefits if you consume this fluoride in a restricted amount. However, if taken in excess, it provides no such benefits. 

Taking fluoride in excess amounts may result in fluorosis. Many companies add fluoride to their toothpaste and mouthwashes in a certified amount. Since it is very beneficial, it is often added to many food items and drinking water. 

However, the causes of dental fluorosis are the consumption of food with high fluoride concentrations or accidental swallowing of toothpaste or mouthwashes that contain fluoride.

How can you treat dental fluorosis?

Normal oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing will not help you get rid of fluorosis stains. However, if the stains on your teeth are so obvious and lower your confidence and self-esteem, you should visit your dentist today for cosmetic dental treatments. 

Teeth whitening, crowns, veneers, enamel microabrasion, and dental bonding are some of the common cosmetic dental procedures that might help you get rid of dental fluorosis. Several factors may influence the cosmetic dental procedure you need, such as your personal preference, the severity of the fluorosis, and your budget.

Tips to prevent dental fluorosis.

There are a few tips you can follow to prevent dental fluorosis. These are as follows: 

  • Check the concentration of fluoride in your water supply.
  • Avoid giving your kids fluoride supplements without any instruction.
  • Do not swallow fluoride-based toothpaste.
  • If you are pregnant, limit your fluoride intake.

If excess fluoride consumption has caused you dental fluorosis, schedule an appointment with your dentist today!

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