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Enamel Fluorosis in Small Kids |
Enamel fluorosis is discoloration of the enamel coating over teeth. It is not a disease, but only an undesirable cosmetic condition. It normally begins in children below the age of 2 years, who have been exposed to fluoride containing water in the infant milk formula. At that age, teeth development is in progress, but below the gum line.
In most cases of such enamel fluorosis, the only symptom observed is in the form of almost unnoticeable white streaks or specks on the enameled surface of teeth, after they erupt out of the gums. Most such cases are too mild to even be a cosmetic concern.
However, in cases of exposure of teeth of such children to excess fluoride content in water, clearly visible discoloration of enamel or brown markings can be observed. In such significant cases, pitting can be observed on the surface of enamel, which appears as rough and is hard to clean.
Even in children above the age 2 of years, enamel fluorosis may be observed if they ingest more than the normally required fluoride. This could happen if more than the required fluoride supplements are accidentally administered to them. Alternatively, supplements are administered even when the toothpaste they use already contains the optimal amount of fluoride required for the normal growth and development of their teeth.
Some children like the sweet taste of fluoride containing toothpaste. They may swallow it instead of spitting it out. This may be a reason too for enamel discoloration.
Prevention of enamel fluorosis is easy if the requisite precautions and recommendations of a pediatric dentist are followed through always. These precautions entail an analysis of the volumetric content of fluoride in the water used to prepare the infant milk formula and for drinking. Accordingly, the need for a fluoride supplement can be assessed and if at all needed, the optimal quantity of fluoride supplement can then be calculated, prescribed, and administered.
Parents need to monitor the amount of fluoride containing toothpaste used by their children. It need never be more than the size of a pea. Parents further need to teach their child by example to spit out the toothpaste used after brushing and not swallowing it.
Some parents may think that avoiding fluoride altogether may be the best option to prevent the issue altogether. However, an optimal amount of fluoride is mandatory to prevent cavities or tooth decay.
The fluoride on the enamel cannot be removed. However, the discoloration can be made less visible by techniques such as tooth whitening in case of mild fluorosis, microabrasion and then composite bonding, or by coating the enamel with porcelain veneers. |