Recognizing the Signs of Dental Fluorosis in Children

Children are extremely vulnerable changes in mineral levels during their early years of growth and development. Abnormal amounts of fluoride in their diet increases their susceptibility of developing dental fluorosis as their teeth develop slowly and gradually. Though this problem is looked upon as a cosmetic and aesthetic problem, rather than a dental problem, it can easily be detected by a dentist.If left untreated, the enamel starts decaying, which leads to the formation of caries, lesions or cavities. The condition occurs during the process of the formation of the enamel and it is characterized by a discoloration of the tooth enamel in children.

Discoloration of the Tooth Enamel

• Dental fluorosis occurs as an adverse effect of the abnormal intake of fluoride over an extended period of time. In children, it is diagnosed due to the formation of discolored spots on the enamel of their teeth. One of the most common types of discoloration that is observable in children is a chalk-like discoloration along with white spots or lines on tooth enamel that can be fixed using cosmetic dental procedures.
• Very mild fluorosis is characterized by small, opaque, and paper-white areas covering less than 25% of the total surface of the tooth. In severe cases of the problem, all the affected areas of the teeth are know to have a yellow or brown discoloration, and in extreme cases, the condition may even result in a pitted tooth surface. There is a direct link between the porosity of the tooth and the degree of dental fluorosis.

Gradual Changes Observed

• From discolored spots of white, yellow or brown appearing on tooth enamel  to streaks on the teeth, it is the severity of the symptoms that has a proportional impact on the changes in the surface of the enamel of the tooth. Usually, dental fluorosis does not occur one the adult teeth develop in the mouth. In children, the stains, spots or streaks left by fluorosis are permanent and these grow darker with time and may permanently result in stained, brown, and mottled teeth.Though the teeth remain strong and healthy, the spots and stains can be treated either through microabrasion or tooth bleaching.