FLUOROSIS
Dental fluorosis is a problem that occurs when the body receives too much fluoride during tooth formation. This can result in white spots on the teeth, which affect both appearance and oral health.
At David Cardona Dental Clinic, in Zaragoza, we have a specialized pediatric dentistry service that can help you prevent and treat dental fluorosis in your children.
It is important to keep in mind that caring for baby teeth is essential to ensure proper oral health in adulthood. Therefore, we recommend that you follow our recommendations and schedule regular appointments to ensure good dental hygiene for children.
What is fluorosis?
Fluorosis is a condition that can affect the esthetics of the teeth, especially in those who have consumed fluoride in excess during childhood. At David Cardona Dental Clinic in Zaragoza, we know that fluoride is essential for the health and strength of tooth enamel, but in excessive doses it can cause white spots on the teeth known as dental fluorosis.
Although fluorosis does not usually present serious health problems, it can be very visible and affect the esthetics of the smile. The white spots caused by excessive fluoride intake are usually rough and, in some cases, may be cracked.
At David Cardona Dental Clinic, in Zaragoza, we are aware of the importance of children’s dental hygiene to ensure proper oral health in adulthood. For this reason, we have a specialized pediatric dentistry service that plans personalized pediatric treatments adapted to the needs of each child. If you have any doubts about fluorosis or want to know more about how to prevent this condition, do not hesitate to contact us.
Causes of fluorosis
There are several causes that can lead to the appearance of dental fluorosis, the main one being the excessive intake of fluoride during childhood. It is important to keep in mind that fluoride is a chemical element that is beneficial for the health of our teeth, but in excess it can have negative effects.
Other causes of dental fluorosis may include:
- Consumption of water with high levels of fluoride: In some regions of the world, drinking water contains high levels of fluoride. If children consume large amounts of this water, they may develop fluorosis.
- Use of dental hygiene products with high fluoride content: many toothpastes and mouthwashes contain fluoride to protect teeth, but if used in excess they can increase the risk of fluorosis.
- Consumption of fluoride medications: some medications for the treatment of skeletal and nutritional disorders contain fluoride and may increase the risk of fluorosis if consumed in large amounts during childhood.
- It is important to keep in mind that fluorosis is a condition that occurs during the formation of children’s teeth, so it is essential to pay attention to children’s oral hygiene and avoid excessive consumption of fluoride during childhood. At David Cardona Dental Clinic we have a specialized pediatric dentistry service that can help protect the dental health of children.
How to prevent fluorosis?
It is important to note that although fluoride is essential for oral health, too much fluoride can be harmful. For this reason, it is essential that children do not consume large amounts of this compound during their childhood. Some of the steps we can take to prevent fluorosis are:
- Control fluoride intake: It is essential that children do not consume large amounts of fluoride during their childhood. This includes the drinking water and oral hygiene products they use.
- Regular visits to the pediatric dentist: it is essential that children visit the pediatric dentist on a regular basis so that any problems can be detected in time.
- Instill hygiene habits: It is important that children learn to practice good dental hygiene from an early age. This includes brushing their teeth at least twice a day and using hygiene products specially formulated for them.
- Having a healthy diet: good eating habits are also necessary for the prevention of oral diseases in children. It is essential that they include foods rich in nutrients and avoid those that may be harmful to their teeth.
FLUOROSIS TREATMENT
Dental fluorosis is a lesion that occurs in the enamel of the teeth of those who have consumed excessive fluoride during childhood. It manifests itself in the form of rough, white spots on the teeth. Although it is not a serious health condition, it can have important esthetic implications.
At David Cardona Dental Clinic, in Zaragoza, we carry out personalized treatments for dental fluorosis. One of the most conservative is the placement of porcelain veneers, which are bonded to the outside of the teeth and improve the aesthetics of the smile. Another option is the placement of dental caps, which completely cover a damaged tooth. In more severe cases, we can resort to the placement of dental implants.
In addition, it is important to prevent dental fluorosis through good oral hygiene and proper nutrition. It is advisable to visit the pediatric dentist periodically to detect any problems in the formation of children’s teeth. With this care we can prevent our little ones from having fluorosis problems and enjoy a perfect smile.