For example, adults with fluorosis might have sensitive teeth, and may be susceptible to tooth decay if their tooth enamel is damaged or weakened in places. First receiving a dental degree in Colombia, she then moved to the United States to be closer to family. It's great that you care about your child's dental health – and your own – but there is no need to shun fluoride completely. The key is to get the amount right; not too little, not too much. Dental treatment on Medicaid is only offered in some states for adults, and purely cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening and veneers may not be offered at all. Best Teeth Whitening Strips in the UK: Which Brands Really Work? The most obvious sign of fluorosis is discoloration or white spots on the teeth. If you're wondering how to get rid of dental fluorosis, here are some possible ways of treating it – or, more specifically, restoring the appearance of the tooth and avoiding further damage. And you know how to treat fluorosis if you're an adult with this condition. Setting a strong foundation of healthy teeth will influence how your permanent teeth develop and their strength. Can you get treatment for fluorosis on the Medicaid? The process involves painting a varnish containing high levels of fluoride onto the surface of the tooth every 6 months to prevent decay. Moreover, there are several preventive measures you can take to control your child's fluoride intake and reduce the risk of them developing fluorosis. If you have noticed discolouration on your child's teeth or have any other concerns, visit your dentist for a professional opinion. If the spotting is white and not too objectionable, it may be wise to wait until the late teens or early twenties to treat the fluorosis stains. Only practice the advice given or validated by your dentist. Adults and children both need fluoride. However, there are various treatment options that can improve the cosmetic appearance of fluorosis teeth, which you can read about further down. It occurs only when the teeth are developing, before they erupt into the mouth, and it's dependent on the fluoride we ingest (eat or drink), not just on the products we use in our mouths. The most obvious sign of fluorosis is discolouration or white spots on the teeth. You can expect the results to last for about five years before the bonding work needs to be re-done. Fluoride is an essential element for healthy teeth; it increases the mineralisation of enamel and protects against decay. Dental fluorosis manifests itself in different ways, depending on the severity of the condition. By bleaching the surrounding tooth enamel, the white marks become less obvious or disappear completely. Amanda specialises in writing informative content about dentistry. If you or your child are diagnosed with fluorosis, your dentist will advise you of the appropriate treatment options according to the severity of the condition. If neither of the above options are suitable, dental bonding can be used to improve the appearance of the tooth. This way, you can take measures to moderate your child's fluoride consumption before it does any further damage to teeth that are still growing. Our guide to veneers has more information about this treatment, including the benefits of composite vs. porcelain. Mild fluorosis appears as cloudy or pearly white lines, patches or marks on the surface of the tooth enamel. If you know your child already gets a lot of fluoride from your water or from another source, speak to your dentist or health provider before approving fluoride varnish treatment. For any questions or concerns about your medical condition and/or deterioration of your state of health, always consult your doctor or your dentist. There are a variety of ways to whiten teeth, ranging from at-home whitening kits to professional in-office treatment. However, if there is visible discolouration to a tooth caused by a medical condition, then NHS treatment may be approved. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that's been proven to strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent tooth decay. This website uses cookies to provide you with the best information and services possible. The general rule is that the NHS does not cover purely cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening and veneers. Because fluorosis is treated in a number of different ways, there is no simple way to know if the treatment will be covered by the NHS. Fluoride is added to many toothpastes and mouthwashes in approved concentrations. If you or your child are diagnosed with fluorosis, dental treatment will be recommended by your dentist depending on the severity of the condition. What causes white spots on teeth from fluorosis? However, if there is visible discoloration to a tooth caused by a medical condition, it's possible that your treatment will be covered. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Dr. Catalina Botero, Li'l Sunshine Smiles Dentistry. If you want your baby or child to have healthy teeth but are worried about the effects of too much fluoride, this article should answer all your questions. Rinses should … During the ages of 6 months to 16 years fluoride use is critical because of developing and erupting permanent teeth. It might seem like the best way to prevent fluorosis is to cut fluoride out of your child's life completely. Although fluorosis affects the cosmetic appearance of the teeth, the good news is that it rarely impacts basic dental functions. Think of it a bit like sanding down the imperfections on a piece of wood, only much more gentle. It was actually dental fluorosis that led researchers to eventually find that small amounts of fluoride can be beneficial for the teeth.. We have more advice for caring for children's teeth here. Are Dentists Open Now? This can happen before the age of 8 when permanent teeth come in, or around the ages of 1-2 when baby teeth come in. Here are some possible ways of treating fluorosis – or, more specifically, restoring the appearance of the tooth and avoiding further damage. So although you might see white spots on your child's teeth and assume it's fluorosis, it's important to visit a dentist for proper diagnosis. Your dentist will probably need to apply for approval. Fluoride dental treatments Fluoride mouth rinses . Dentists can sometimes get rid of white spots on teeth by using a mild abrasive to remove the very outer layer of enamel. Continued exposure to high levels of fluoride may cause skeletal and digestive disorders later in life. Fluorosis can affect the appearance of the teeth in a number of ways, depending on its severity. Teeth whitening is effective at treating some cases of mild fluorosis. We have more advice for caring for children's teeth here. How to reduce the risk of excess fluoride consumption. Fluorosis can develop at any time when the teeth are developing, and this starts in the womb. want your baby or child to have healthy teeth, This webpage from the American Dental Association, USDA National Fluoride Database of Selected Beverages and Foods, Release 2, Free Dental Care: Extractions, Routine Checkups, and Cleanings, Cheap Braces: Affordable Low-Income Teeth Straightening Options, Hydrogen Peroxide as Mouthwash: Pros and Cons of Gargling and Rinsing, Six Things Your Dentist Wants You to Know During COVID-19, Home kits: $10 - $110; Professional: $300 - $1,800, Cloudy white lines, spots, or marks on teeth, Consuming water with high concentrations of fluoride, Eating food contaminated with high levels of fluoride, Swallowing toothpastes or mouthwashes containing fluoride, Taking fluoride supplements when you're already getting enough from other sources. Fluoride is added to many toothpastes and mouthwashes in approved concentrations. Now you know about the potential risks of dental fluorosis, you can take steps to ensure your child is not consuming too much fluoride from their water, food or toothpaste. It's important to diagnose fluorosis as early as possible. What causes dental fluorosis? Follow these steps to minimize the risk of over-exposure to fluoride and therefore the risk of dental fluorosis in children: Children in the US are routinely offered fluoride varnish as a preventive treatment. For some more detailed severe fluorosis pictures, click here. The most important thing you can do on a daily basis is to make sure they brush their teeth twice a day but don't swallow the toothpaste. Follow these steps to minimise the risk of over-exposure to fluoride and therefore the risk of dental fluorosis in children: Children in the UK are routinely offered fluoride varnish as a preventive treatment. Fluorosis doesn't suddenly appear in adulthood, so if you notice white spots on your teeth which weren't there before, it's likely because of decalcification or some other problem which your dentist can diagnose.