Fluorosis is a tooth-related cosmetic disorder. It is caused by excessive fluoride exposure during the first eight years of life. Most permanent teeth are developed during this period. A dentist in Northeast Philadelphia could help answer any questions you may have.
Fluorosis-affected teeth may seem moderately stained once they have emerged. For example, only dentists may be able to see lacy white patterns. However, in more difficult situations, the teeth may have:
- Pits that are easily seen
- Yellow or dark brown stains
- Irregularities on the surface
What is fluorosis?
Fluorosis is a cosmetic dental disorder that causes white or brown spots to appear on your teeth. These spots can range in size from tiny white specks to dark brown patches that are readily visible.
Who does fluorosis affect?
Dental fluorosis happens in people who have been overexposed to fluoride during their developing years before their permanent teeth emerge. Fluorosis is a disease that can impact kids as young as eight years old. Fluorosis cannot affect teeth that have already grown in.
How common is fluorosis?
Fluorosis originally gained notice in the early twentieth century. The significant occurrence of “Colorado Brown Stain” on the teeth of native-born Colorado Springs inhabitants startled researchers. Elevated fluoride levels created stains in the local water source. This was fluoride found naturally in groundwater. These people also exhibited extremely high resistance to dental cavities. This spawned a drive to inject fluoride into public water supplies at low levels to prevent cavities but not high enough to cause fluorosis.
Does fluorosis weaken teeth?
No. Fluorosis in the mouth does not affect oral health or function. Persons who have fluorosis are more resistant to cavities. This revelation spurred health officials to put fluoride in a safe quantity into public water systems. This means that fluoride levels in public water sources would be high enough to help prevent tooth decay but not enough to produce fluorosis.
What are the symptoms of fluorosis?
Fluorosis has only one symptom: tooth discoloration. How severe your disease is will specify the extent of your discoloration. Dentists classify fluorosis using the following terms:
- Questionable
Many very light white specks and dots.
- Very mild
Light white patches cover less than 25% of the tooth’s surface.
- Mild
Light white spots that cover less than half of your tooth surfaces.
- Moderate
Over half of your tooth surfaces are covered in white or light brown spots.
- Severe
All surfaces have spots that are white, light brown, or dark brown. Pitting on your teeth is also possible (small depressions in your enamel).
In moderate cases, tooth darkening can be so subtle that only your dentist would see it. But cosmetic dental treatments can help if fluorosis affects your confidence or self-esteem.