Fluoride is an important mineral that is absorbed into your tooth structure to strengthen your enamel and help fight tooth decay. Many adults receive an appropriate amount of fluoride from toothpaste and tap water. However, it’s easy for children to become exposed to too much fluoride, creating a cosmetic condition called fluorosis. Dr. Bender can help prevent and cover the destruction caused by fluorosis.
Why Does Fluoride Harm Children?
Fluorosis usually develops around or under age eight, as teeth are forming under the gums and erupting. Fluorosis is generally only prominent in children because it’s harder for them to control their fluoride intake. Young teeth are often weaker than adult teeth. Fluoride can be too abrasive for the developing cells and damage the enamel. More than 70 percent of fluorosis cases are caused by swallowing toothpaste. When children are first beginning to brush their teeth, they may have trouble spitting out their toothpaste after brushing. Children may also like the taste of their toothpaste and use too much of it. Furthermore, about 75 percent of your natural fluoride intake comes from water and processed beverages. Children may not be aware of how much fluoride they are naturally drinking, so combining drinking water with fluoride toothpaste can cause an over-exposure to the mineral.
How Can Fluorosis be Treated?
Fluorosis is mostly a cosmetic condition, but the results can be permanent. The issue is generally harmless to your overall health, but it affects your appearance. Mild fluorosis causes small white spots on the inside of the enamel. Dr. Bender can apply a gentle whitening or bonding to hide these stains. Severe cases of fluorosis can cause dark discolorations, as well as rough, pitted enamel that is hard to clean. Dr. Bender offers porcelain veneers to help hide major tooth defects.
Is Fluorosis Preventable?
Monitor your children’s behaviors to make sure they are getting enough—but not too much—fluoride. Teach your child to only use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste and remind them not to swallow the paste. You should also avoid using fluoride on children under age two. Instead, brush their teeth with a soft brush and plain water. If your child needs additional fluoride, ask Dr. Bender about fluoride supplements to safely protect your child’s teeth.
Why Does Fluoride Harm Children?
Fluorosis usually develops around or under age eight, as teeth are forming under the gums and erupting. Fluorosis is generally only prominent in children because it’s harder for them to control their fluoride intake. Young teeth are often weaker than adult teeth. Fluoride can be too abrasive for the developing cells and damage the enamel. More than 70 percent of fluorosis cases are caused by swallowing toothpaste. When children are first beginning to brush their teeth, they may have trouble spitting out their toothpaste after brushing. Children may also like the taste of their toothpaste and use too much of it. Furthermore, about 75 percent of your natural fluoride intake comes from water and processed beverages. Children may not be aware of how much fluoride they are naturally drinking, so combining drinking water with fluoride toothpaste can cause an over-exposure to the mineral.
How Can Fluorosis be Treated?
Fluorosis is mostly a cosmetic condition, but the results can be permanent. The issue is generally harmless to your overall health, but it affects your appearance. Mild fluorosis causes small white spots on the inside of the enamel. Dr. Bender can apply a gentle whitening or bonding to hide these stains. Severe cases of fluorosis can cause dark discolorations, as well as rough, pitted enamel that is hard to clean. Dr. Bender offers porcelain veneers to help hide major tooth defects.
Is Fluorosis Preventable?
Monitor your children’s behaviors to make sure they are getting enough—but not too much—fluoride. Teach your child to only use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste and remind them not to swallow the paste. You should also avoid using fluoride on children under age two. Instead, brush their teeth with a soft brush and plain water. If your child needs additional fluoride, ask Dr. Bender about fluoride supplements to safely protect your child’s teeth.
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